Evanston, Illinois, is about to distribute over a million dollars to black residents through its reparations program. The city’s Reparations Committee revealed last week that 44 individuals will receive $25,000 each, totaling $1.1 million. These payments are aimed at descendants of people who experienced housing discrimination between 1919 and 1969. According to Cynthia Vargas, Evanston’s communications and community engagement manager, the funds are intended for housing expenses.
To fund this effort, the city has raised $276,588 through its real estate transfer tax to support the Reparations Fund. Additionally, funds from the Cannabis Retailers Occupation Tax contribute, though the specific amounts involved are not disclosed due to state regulations. With no private donations reported for the program, Evanston is considering implementing a new tax on Delta-8 THC products, such as gummies or vapes, to ensure the program has sufficient revenue.
Second Ward Councilmember Krissie Harris emphasized that while the city is committed to assisting those eligible, it must first ensure there are adequate funds available to disperse. This reflects the challenges of financing such programs and highlights the importance of sustainable revenue sources in achieving their reparative goals.
Evanston made headlines in 2019 as the first city to adopt a reparations plan, aiming to allocate $10 million over the next decade to address historical injustices against black residents. However, the initiative is now facing legal scrutiny. Judicial Watch has launched a lawsuit against the city, claiming that the program violates the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment. The organization argues that reliance on race for eligibility is constitutionally questionable, stating, “remedying societal discrimination is not a compelling government interest.”
Judicial Watch’s lawsuit further criticizes the program for what it sees as significant flaws. It contends that the program treats race as a proxy for discrimination without necessitating proof of that discrimination. Tom Fitton, the president of Judicial Watch, expressed strong objections, noting that Evanston has awarded over $6.35 million to 254 individuals based solely on their race. “The city must be stopped before it spends even more money on this clearly discriminatory and unconstitutional reparations program,” he said.
This clash between a novel approach to addressing historical injustices and foundational legal principles underscores the complexities surrounding reparations. As Evanston navigates these challenges, the outcomes of the program and the ongoing legal dispute could set powerful precedents for similar initiatives across the country.
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