Email from Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty WILL Takes USDA to Court Over Discriminatory Farmer Programs WILL sued the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) over several discriminatory programs that deny financial assistance to farmers based on race and sex. WILL filed this lawsuit on behalf of our client, Adam Faust, a Wisconsin dairy farmer. Mr. Faust is one of the two million white male American farmers (60% of all farmers) who are still subject to discriminatory race-based policies implemented by the Biden administration's USDA. The lawsuit follows WILL’s warning to the new administration in April that the USDA was continuing to implement Biden-era DEI programs. In May, members of Wisconsin’s congressional delegation, including Representatives Tony Wied (R-08), Bryan Steil (WI-01), Derrick Van Orden (WI-03), Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05), Glenn Grothman (WI-06), and Tom Tiffany (WI-07), also called on the USDA to investigate and end the discriminatory policies against Mr. Faust and other farmers around the country. There has been no relief for our client and no meaningful response from the current Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins. WILL Deputy Counsel, Dan Lennington stated, “We warned USDA and the Trump administration: the Biden-era discriminatory programs must go. We’ve been patient, but equality cannot wait. While President Trump has been perfectly clear that racial discrimination has no place in his administration, USDA remains a notable hold out.” Read More WILL Secures Scholarships for Students with Special Needs Following a brief legal battle, WILL recouped over $30,000 in scholarships from the Special Needs Scholarship Program (SNSP), one of Wisconsin’s prominent school choice programs. WILL's most recent win for school choice is on behalf of St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, a nationally accredited member of the Wisconsin School Choice Program. DPI initially rejected St. Paul’s request to fund three special needs scholarships totaling over $30,000, claiming faulty paperwork. WILL filed a legal appeal on St. Paul’s behalf, demonstrating how the Oconomowoc choice school followed state statutes and was entitled to this funding. Jill M. George, Principal at St. Paul’s Lutheran School, stated, “Our school followed all protocols and procedures to receive this funding. It’s why we were shocked to learn DPI was holding onto over $30,000 in special needs scholarship funding. Without WILL’s involvement we would have no idea where to go next.” Read more HERE. Watch St. Paul's Story WILL Delivers Win for Property Rights A Door County judge ruled that Captain's Cottage LLC was wrongfully denied their short-term rental license by the Village of Sister Bay. The judge’s decision establishes our clients’ vested property rights and will serve as an important ruling for many Sister Bay property owners. Last summer, the Village of Sister Bay tried to force Captain's Cottage owners, Adam and Brigid White, to replace their 50-year-old driveway and front landscaping through the short-term rental licensing process. The Village denied their license until the property conformed to current zoning, even though the driveway had never caused problems. The Whites argued that their driveway was grandfathered under the Village’s own ordinances, state law, and the Wisconsin Constitution. Brigid White, a co-owner of Captain's Cottage, stated, “We are just thrilled to have this matter behind us. Our wonderful cottage is open to renters this summer and we are so grateful for the legal expertise and help we have received from WILL and Mr. Johnson. They made this whole process as painless as possible. It was great to have such knowledgeable and kind people in our corner.” Read More Unsealed: WILL Settlement Forces FBI to Release 120-Page School Shooter Manifesto WILL announced a settlement with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on behalf of its clients, the Star News Network and journalist Matt Kittle of The Federalist. As part of the agreement, the FBI has released 120 pages of the Nashville shooter’s manifesto and agreed to pay WILL more than $86,000 in legal fees. On March 27, 2023, a transgender shooter entered The Covenant School in Nashville and tragically killed three nine-year-old students and three adults—an administrator, substitute teacher, and a custodian. Our client requested a copy of the manifesto from the FBI through a formal FOIA request, which was denied by the Biden-era FBI. WILL sued, and after FBI Director Kash Patel was confirmed, settlement negotiations began to resolve the matter. WILL Deputy Counsel, Dan Lennington, stated, “This settlement is a win for government transparency and efforts by real journalists to keep their government open and accountable. WILL is proud to advance the freedom of the press.” Learn More Fighting Unprecedented Attempts to Redraw Wisconsin's Congressional Maps The ink's barely dry on the last election, and already, partisan actors are back at it. After campaign promises to donors that the Wisconsin Supreme Court would redraw congressional lines, operatives are making good on their pledges. New lawsuits, alleging gerrymandering and population imbalances, threaten to throw Wisconsin's upcoming elections into chaos. We believe this is a dangerous political play. The current maps, affirmed by due process, should be respected. WILL Deputy Counsel, Lucas Vebber, has filed non-party briefs with the Wisconsin Supreme Court, urging them to reject these lawsuits and preserve the integrity of our current congressional districts. Read the filings below. Read the Amicus Brief. Read the Non-Party Brief. JULY 15: Don't Miss Our Appleton Wedding Barn Event! Join WILL on July 15 at Homestead Meadows in Appleton for a night with friends discussing the most pressing issues facing conservatives in Wisconsin and beyond. This event offers a unique opportunity to discuss topics such as Act 10, the new redistricting fight, WILL's strategies to counter the progressive agenda, and the ongoing efforts to protect event barns. Details: Tuesday, July 15 W7560 W Spencer Rd Appleton, WI 54914 5:00 p.m. Tickets Here 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. Listen Here 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). Register 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. Forward this email to three friends and encourage them to sign up for our updates. 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)! Consider making a contribution today. Even just $20, $50, or $100 can make all the difference. DONATE Make An Impact With Us! 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. Learn More Read more at www.will-law.org. Check out our various social media platforms!   Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty | 330 E. Kilbourn Suite 725 | Milwaukee, WI 53202 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice