A class action lawsuit was filed last Thursday against the Biden administration by a group of white farmers who say that a farm loan forgiveness program contained in the COVID relief bill makes them ineligible for the program because of their race.
The lawsuit contends that their ineligibility due to their race violates their constitutional rights, specifically equal protection under the law.
The suit was filed on behalf of the farmers by the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty in a federal court in Green Bay.
The lawsuit from the farmers in Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, and Ohio states,
“Were plaintiffs eligible for the loan forgiveness benefit, they would have the opportunity to make additional investments in their property, expand their farms, purchase equipment and supplies and otherwise support their families and local communities. Because plaintiffs are ineligible to even apply for the program solely due to their race, they have been denied the equal protection of the law and therefore suffered harm.”
The suit also seeks a court order prohibiting the USDA from allowing race to be a consideration for loans.
