BIG WIN: WILL Ends $60 Million Race-Based Federal Scholarship Program

WILL notified a federal appeals court that it resolved its case with the Trump Administration and now the longstanding, federal McNair scholarship program is open to all students regardless of race.

This $60 million program—McNair Post-Baccalaurate Achievement Program—supports and provides unique opportunities to students nationwide who want to pursue post-graduate studies. However, Whites, Asians, Arabs and other Middle Eastern ethnicities, Jewish students, many Latinos and some Africans were excluded from the program.

WILL represents Young America's Foundation (YAF), its local chapter at the University of North Dakota, and two students ineligible for the program solely due to their skin color.

Now because of WILL's lawsuit, more students can apply for student aid based on need and merit, not race.

President of YAF, Scott Walker, stated, “For decades, Young America’s Foundation has stood up for students when universities and bureaucrats tried to silence them, punish them, or exclude them. This is another victory for equal treatment under the law, and a reminder that Americans don’t have to accept unconstitutional discrimination just because it’s dressed up as ‘equity.’ YAF will keep fighting until every student is treated fairly.”

Good Morning America Features WILL Client in Private Property Fight

This week, ABC's Good Morning America featured the story of WILL client Tom Uttech, a Saukville, Wisconsin native who learned that a $15 billion Port Washington data center required a new power line be built through his 52-acre property.

If approved, the proposed transmission line project would destroy the Uttech family's scenic landscape, which is protected by a conservation easement and is the inspiration of many paintings created by Mr. Uttech, a nationally renowned artist. Unlike other states, archaic Wisconsin regulations encourage the construction of miles of unnecessary and destructive power lines for data centers instead of on-site power generation.

WILL has stepped in to represent Uttech in a formal challenge against the utility company’s attempt to seize Mr. Uttech's private land for this development. 

Senate Approves WILL-Backed Amendment to Restore Legislative Oversight

Today, the Wisconsin State Senate approved Assembly Joint Resolution 133 (AJR 133) on first consideration, a WILL-backed proposed amendment to the Wisconsin Constitution designed to restore legislative oversight of administrative rulemaking.

The constitutional amendment that would restore legislative oversight of administrative rulemaking by allowing the Legislature to suspend an administrative rule, in whole or in part, through a joint resolution approved by a majority of both legislative houses. Having advanced through first consideration, the proposed amendment must pass second consideration during the 2027–28 legislative session before it is placed on the ballot for voters to decide.

WILL Policy Director, Kyle Koenen, stated, “Unelected bureaucrats write rules with the full force of law, driving up costs for Wisconsin families and small businesses. Last summer, the Wisconsin Supreme Court stripped the Legislature of its ability to oversee that process—even though rulemaking at its core is a legislative function. When one branch can both write and enforce the law, accountability breaks down. This constitutional amendment restores the separation of powers the Wisconsin Constitution was designed to protect.”

"If You Can Keep It" Podcast: The Future of Free Speech

In episode 4 of "If You Can Keep It," WILL President Rick Esenberg discusses the new reality of the First Amendment as we move past the era of DEI.

This episode dives into the 2026 legal landscape, analyzing the FCC's focus on media bias and the institutional battle for free expression. Our special guest is Donald Downs, UW-Madison Professor Emeritus and a renowned expert in law and journalism. Professor Downs joins Rick to discuss the "right to be wrong," the Biden-era misinformation legacy, and the specific challenges currently facing students on college campuses.

The “If You Can Keep It” podcast can be listened to on all platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, iHeartRadio, Substack, and Rumble.

FEBRUARY 26: Join the "Red Tape Reset" in Manitowoc

Next week, WILL Deputy Counsel Lucas Vebber will headline the "Red Tape Reset" event in Manitowoc to discuss how excess regulations are driving up costs, limiting opportunity, and holding back local employers.

WILL is again partnering with Americans for Prosperity-Wisconsin to show the steps our state must take to restore government accountability. Join us on February 26 from 5:30-7:30 PM as we explore solutions to ensure government finally works for the people.

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