Swanson v. Hilgers
Nebraska midwife entrepreneur fights unjust ban on her profession
Heather Swanson believes that the ability of mothers to choose where and how to give birth is an important right. Yet these foundational freedoms are under siege by a Nebraska law that defies logic and basic human rights. It is the only state to outright ban CNMs from home births; failure to comply is a felony. Meanwhile, lay midwives and doulas, w ...
Valencia Ag, LLC v. Alexander
Race and sex preferences in New York business licensing deny equal treatment and opportunity
When the State of New York legalized cannabis in 2021, William and Emmet Purcell seized the opportunity to plant roots in the burgeoning industry. By September 2023, William and Emmet had established their business, Valencia Ag, in upstate New York. They signed a $2,000-per-month lease—plus utilities. All that remained was to get a license. Valen ...
Californians for Equal Rights Foundation v. City of San Diego
San Diego first-time homebuyers fight for equal treatment under the law
The San Diego Housing Commission launched a pilot program in 2023 to help middle-income, first-time homebuyers achieve "the dream of homeownership." The program provides up to $40,000 for down payments and closing costs—among the greatest barriers to first-time homeownership. No matter who meets the eligibility requirements for residency, fina ...
Do No Harm v. Gianforte
Race and gender preferences deny equality and opportunity on Montana’s public boards
Government regulatory boards are commonplace for countless professions throughout the country. Boards governing healthcare professions are among the most notable, as they're tasked with protecting citizens' health and safety. All states and several U.S. territories established boards to regulate the practice of medicine. In Montana, medical practit ...
Zip Kombucha, et al. v. Joan Wilson, et al.
Alaska breweries battle unfair restrictions to restore economic liberty
After a decade of wrangling to bring the state's alcohol laws up to date, not much has changed. Breweries and wineries are now "generously" allowed to host up to four events per year, but only if the proprietor pays a $100 fee per event and obtains a permit. (Games like darts and pool remain strictly prohibited.) These businesses can now stay open ...
American Alliance for Equal Rights v. Kay Ivey
Race quotas for government boards deny equality and opportunity
State law requires Alabama's governor not only to appoint all AREAB members, but also to consider race when making appointments and deny opportunities for some qualified citizens to competently serve the public based on no reason other than their race. Represented by Pacific Legal Foundation at no charge, the American Alliance for Equal Rights is f ...
Lynn v. Goff
Oregon teacher fights for equal treatment under the law
Tyler has always stood up for fairness and equality, and now he's taking a stand for the right to be treated equally in Oregon's reimbursement program. Represented by Pacific Legal Foundation at no charge, Tyler is fighting back with a federal lawsuit, continuing an essential lesson for his students that the government must treat individuals based ...
Lance Nistler v. Walz, et al.
Minnesota’s race-based grant program denies equal treatment to farmers
The Minnesota's Down Payment Assistance Grant Program's disfavoring of white male farmers violates the Constitution's equal protection guarantee. In fact, the Supreme Court has repeatedly said government cannot discriminate by race or sex except in very narrow cases of past discrimination—a justification not even invoked during testimony by Minne ...
Chu v. Rosa
New York parents fight for equal treatment and educational opportunity in STEP program
If the government wants to fund educational opportunities for children in need, it can do so. What it can't do is use economic need as a way to treat applicants differently based on their race. ...