Federal Class Action Filed to Confront the Erasure of Black Americans and Their Constitutional Standing
Civic advocate Clyde L. Younger of Watertown has filed a federal class action lawsuit against President Donald J. Trump, Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and other federal officials, challenging what he calls a “coordinated federal displacement” of Black Americans under the guise of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).
The complaint asserts that federal agencies have reclassified Black Americans into generalized diversity categories, stripping away constitutional protections and weakening access to education, health care, housing, and civic institutions — without due process or public remedy. This reclassification, the suit argues, erases the distinct civic identity of Black Americans and undermines their standing as a people whose labor, leadership, and sacrifice helped build the foundation of this nation.
“This is not just a legal filing — it’s a constitutional reckoning,” said Younger. “We are fighting back against the erasure of Black American history and the dismantling of the institutions we built. Our contributions are not diversity — they are the bedrock of American greatness.”
The urgency of the case was underscored recently, when the Trump administration announced it would cut $22 million in federal grants for schools serving predominantly Black students, declaring such programs unconstitutional. These cuts follow broader efforts to dismantle perceived race-conscious initiatives across education, health, and housing.
The suit seeks declaratory and injunctive relief to halt further displacement, restore constitutional protections, reinstate funding and institutional access for Black-led schools and civic organizations, and affirm public recognition of Black Americans as a distinct civic class entitled to targeted remedy.
Case Number: 1:25-CV-12524
Filed: U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts
Judge Assigned: Hon. Richard G. Stearns
Mr. Younger,
Does this suit relate at all to your earlier suit, addressed here?
https://www.watertownmanews.com/2025/08/08/letter-resident-details-suit-against-paramount-cbs-over-60-minutes-settlement/
What’s the status of that, if I may ask? As for this lawsuit, I’m not sure I agree with you, but need to think it over before commenting. My best wishes to you.
No. Different docket number. Same flawed rationale.
“… Black Americans as a distinct civic class entitled to targeted remedy.” The instant action seeks reparations of a different kind.
Cambridge Dictionary:
“Entitlement
The feeling that you have the right to do or have what you want without having to work for it or deserve it, just because of who you are”
Right.