Evanston Reparations Committee seeks new revenue streams as original funding dwindles

From Chicago Tribune:

In May 2024, conservative activist group Judicial Watch filed a class action lawsuit against Evanston arguing the reparations program violated the 14th amendment’s equal protection clause by using race as an eligibility requirement.

“The program’s use of a race-based eligibility requirement is presumptively unconstitutional, and remedying societal discrimination is not a compelling government interest,” Judicial Watch stated in a response to the city’s motion to dismiss.

“Among the program’s other fatal flaws is that it uses race as a proxy for discrimination without requiring proof of discrimination.”

Judicial Watch originally filed the suit on behalf of six non-Black individuals whose ancestors also lived in Evanston during the same time period. According to Civil Rights Litigation Clearinghouse records, the case is still ongoing as of January 2026.

Committee members are expected to reconvene April 2 to further review both the 2221 Keeney sale and Delta-8 THC tax recommendations for consideration of additional reparations funding.

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