CNN reports:
“A federal judge in Texas said Tuesday that a US Commerce Department agency intended to help minority-owned businesses must offer assistance to all individuals, regardless of race, agreeing with White business owners who claimed that its policies were unconstitutional.
The ruling from US District Judge Mark Pittman, an appointee of former President Donald Trump, stems from a lawsuit brought by several White business owners against the Minority Business Development Agency, which is “dedicated to the growth and global competitiveness of minority business enterprises,” according to its website.”
“Pittman said that the agency had violated the equal protection clause of the Constitution’s 14th Amendment through its reliance on a statutory presumption that members of certain minority groups are “‘socially or economically disadvantaged’ and … thus entitled to services.” The list of groups includes African Americans, Asian Americans, Latino Americans and Native Americans, among others.
Per USA Today: Pittman directed the Nixon-era agency to overhaul its programs in a potential blow to other government efforts that cater to historically disadvantaged racial and ethnic groups.
The ruling marks a major development in the broader legal skirmish over diversity, equity and inclusion that is likely to fuel a re-energized conservative movement intent on abolishing affirmative action in the public and private sectors.