Amazon Retreats From "Black-only" Business Program Following WILL Complaint

Hours after WILL filed a civil rights complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice against Amazon challenging its “Black Business Accelerator” (BBA) program, the major online retailer removed dozens of references to the program, scrubbing its websites, and insisting it no longer supports the program’s goals.

Since 2021, the BBA program has provided account credits, product support, education, and other services to Amazon sellers. Only businesses owned, managed, or controlled by black individuals are eligible for the program. Amazon is one of America’s largest federal contractors and suppliers, providing billions in services and products to federal agencies each year.

WILL Deputy Counsel, Dan Lennington, stated, “Amazon was caught red-handed and now they seem to be abandoning a program that would certainly trigger an investigation by the Trump Administration. Companies across the country are faced with a new reality: discrimination in the name of diversity will no longer be tolerated. We look forward to a response from the Trump Administration as they review our complaint and the overtly reactive response from America’s largest online retailer.”

WILL Settles with City of Chicago & Bally's Casino

WILL, representing the American Alliance for Equal Rights (AAER), announced a settlement in the lawsuit filed against the City of Chicago, the Illinois Gaming Board, and Bally’s Chicago Casino regarding a $250 million investment opportunity only offered to “people of color” and “women.”

Filed on behalf of AAER and two of its members, the lawsuit challenged the discriminatory $250 million investment opportunity in Bally’s Chicago Casino development, which was advertised as being exclusively available to minority individuals. Following our lawsuit, it was announced that Bally’s ended this discriminatory practice and has settled the case with WILL. The terms of the settlement are confidential.

Edward Blum, President at AAER, stated, “It’s time to end racial discrimination in America and AAER stands ready to challenge similar programs wherever they exist. We are incredibly pleased with the outcome in this case.”

WILL Backs Hospital Price Transparency Act

Last week, State Senator Julian Bradley (R-New Berlin) and State Representative Bob Wittke (R-Caledonia) introduced the Price Transparency for Patients Act (LRB-1381). WILL supports this legislation because it sets clear, enforceable standards for hospital price transparency–ultimately empowering patients, laying out clear requirements for hospitals to share pricing with consumers.

According to a recent study, Wisconsin’s hospital costs have risen to the 5th highest nationally. Families have become increasingly concerned about the price of healthcare, with 67% of Americans reporting that they worry about unexpected medical bills. Recent polling shows that 96% of voters nationwide and 90% of Wisconsin voters support greater healthcare price transparency as a means to control healthcare costs.

WILL Policy Director, Kyle Koenen, stated, “In no other part of the economy are consumers expected to purchase a product or service without knowing the price. Yet that’s exactly how our healthcare system works. Hospital price transparency brings basic accountability to healthcare—empowering patients and restoring market principles to a system that desperately needs them. The legislature and Governor Evers should take swift action to pass this common-sense legislation.”

Wausau Wedding Barn Wraps Up, Appleton Event Up Next!

It was great to see so many of you at The Folk Farm in Wausau yesterday! Thank you for joining WILL for a night of engaging discussion about the most pressing issues facing conservatives in Wisconsin and beyond.

We covered a lot of ground, from the impact of Act 10 and the latest in the redistricting fight to WILL's ongoing efforts to protect event barns.

If you enjoyed this event, or if you missed out, we'd love to see you at our next wedding barn event! Join us on July 15 in Appleton for another opportunity to connect with WILL and discuss important topics.

TOMORROW: Reforming Childcare in Wisconsin Webinar

Join us on Thursday, June 12, for a webinar unpacking the findings of our groundbreaking new report from WILL and the Archbridge Institute: “Reforming Childcare in Wisconsin: Reducing Regulatory Burdens to Expand Access.”

We will examine how Wisconsin compares nationally and spotlight practical, research-backed reforms to expand access and reduce costs.

Connect: WILL Is Now On Spotify

WILL is excited to announce the launch of our very own Spotify account! This new platform offers an engaging way to stay connected with WILL's work and dive deeper into legal issues shaping our state and nation.

Now, listeners can easily stay informed and engaged with WILL's mission to advance limited government, protect individual liberty, and promote a free society.

Follow us on Spotify today by searching "Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty" or by clicking the link below.

ICYMI: Jonathan Turley to Speak at WILL Celebration Dinner on September 17th

Join WILL & friends on September 17th at The Italian Community Center in Milwaukee for our annual dinner and to celebrate U.S. Constitution Day. Jonathan Turley will be on hand to give the keynote speech for the event. 

Cocktail reception begins at 5:00 p.m. with music and passed hors d’oeuvres followed by Bartolotta’s three-course filet dinner and the program begins at 6:00 p.m.

Sponsorships and table pricing available by contacting [email protected] | (414) 617-1144 

General admission tickets: $175 / attendee VIP tickets: $525 / attendee (VIP includes meet & greet with Jonathan Turley).

Other Ways To Get Involved With WILL:

There are so many ways that you can help us defend freedom in Wisconsin and across the country! 2025 is going to be a big year and we will need your help. Here's a few ways you can do that.

1. Forward this email to three friends and encourage them to sign up for our updates.
2. Know somebody who is looking for legal representation or a talented individual who wants to be a part of our team? We are always looking for clients (Click Here) and resumes (Click Here)!
3. Consider making a contribution today. Even just $20, $50, or $100 can make all the difference. DONATE

WILL Associate Counsel Job Opening

WILL is looking to add a talented Associate Counsel to join our highly successful litigation team. As an Associate Counsel you will litigate cutting-edge constitutional law matters in state and federal court. You will develop and manage your own caseload under the supervision and guidance of our deputy counsels, handling all aspects of litigation from client development through final appeal.

WILL attorneys make a real difference in the fight for freedom every day, and this position will put you on our front lines. We represent all our clients 100% pro bono and pick our own cases to advance WILL’s mission.

Read more at www.will-law.org.

Check out our various social media platforms!