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Civil Rights and Anti-Hate Organizations File Lawsuit Challenging Department of Justice’s Unlawful Grant Cuts

BROOKLYN, N.Y. – Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC (Advancing Justice – AAJC) today announced a new lawsuit challenging the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and its unlawful dismantling of the Community-based Approaches to Hate Crimes grant program (“Anti-Hate Crimes Grant Program”). Congress authorized the program’s creation in 2022 after passing the Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Act a year before. The suit, filed in federal court in Brooklyn, N.Y., is brought forward by Right to Be (RTB), South Asian Network (SAN), St. Barnabas Senior Services (SBSS) and Asian Pacific American Legal Resource Center (APALRC) represented by Advancing Justice – AAJC in co-counsel with Davis Wright Tremaine LLP.

The complaint alleges that DOJ, as a department of the Executive Branch, usurped power belonging to the Legislative Branch by abruptly terminating all grants awarded pursuant to the Congressionally created Anti-Hate Crimes Grant program and dismantling it. Recipients of the grants, including the organizations represented in this suit, had their funding rescinded in April based on the Trump Administration’s “new priorities.” They have subsequently faced significant disruptions to their budgets, staffing and the support they can offer to their communities – a critical need as high-profile hate incidents continue to shake the nation.

“The termination of the Anti-Hate Crimes Grant Program is yet another overreach of power by the Trump Administration,” said John C. Yang, President and Executive Director of Advancing Justice – AAJC. “Let's be clear: DOJ’s unlawful decision to rescind resources for organizations that specifically work to address and prevent hate crimes is intentional. And in the administration’s attempts to weaken civil rights and public safety, they have willfully ignored the authority of Congress to fuel their racist and xenophobic agenda. We are committed to holding the administration accountable and ensuring that organizations nationwide can continue serving their communities.”

Emily May, President, Lead Executive Officer and co-founder of Right To Be added, “Having trained over four million people, we know that it helps communities respond to harassment and de-escalate risky situations. At a time when the LGBTQIA+ community is in crosshairs of intense vitriolic rhetoric, these trainings offer a promised path towards safer communities across Texas.”

“The South Asian community in Los Angeles faces high rates of hate crimes and bias-based incidents,” said Shakeel Syed of South Asian Network, “but they also have high levels of underreporting due to language barriers and lower incomes. Increasing reporting among South Asians who have experienced hate crimes or bias-based violence is essential to combatting this scourge.”

“Now more than ever, older adults are being targeted with violence and scams. This funding allowed us to partner with law enforcement to educate seniors and empower them to work with police to create solutions and build a stronger community. As a trusted messenger, SBSS is able to work with those most vulnerable to build bridges with law enforcement. The sudden cancelation erodes the trust in the community and creates a less safe environment,” said Darlene Williams Kiyan, President & CEO, St. Barnabas Senior Services.

The complaint can be viewed here ([link removed]) .

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Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC (Advancing Justice – AAJC) has a mission to advance the civil and human rights of Asian Americans and to build and promote a fair and equitable society for all.
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