The Justice Department has submitted a proposed statement of interest in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas. This move aims to clarify that federal law ensures all Americans have the equal right to make and enforce contracts irrespective of race.
The case involves allegations against the 2024 ¡Lánzate!/Take Off! Travel Award Program, which reportedly offered free Southwest Airlines flight vouchers exclusively to Hispanic college and graduate students. The American Alliance for Equal Rights contends this policy violated 42 U.S.C. § 1981 by discriminating against non-Hispanic students based on race or ethnicity. The Justice Department's proposed statement underscores its dedication to eliminating racially exclusionary practices across both government sectors and private enterprises.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division stated, "Every person in the United States should have equal and nondiscriminatory rights to make and enforce contracts, and race should never be a consideration." Dhillon further emphasized the commitment of the Department of Justice to end discrimination with all available tools.
Acting U.S. Attorney Chad Meacham for the Northern District of Texas echoed this sentiment, saying, "Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated in our community. Our office will continue to enforce federal anti-discrimination laws to address racial discrimination affecting our residents."
For more information on the Civil Rights Division, visit www.justice.gov/crt. To report possible violations of federal civil rights laws, go to www.civilrights.justice.gov.