Some of Harris’ economic proposals geared towards Black men could be unconstitutional, legal analysts argue.
Vice President Kamala Harris released her « Opportunity Agenda for Black Men » this week, but some of her proposals could be considered unconstitutional, according to top legal analysts.
Harris unveiled the five-point plan last week, which includes providing 1 million forgivable loans of up to $20,000 for « Black entrepreneurs and others who have historically faced barriers to starting a new business. » Another proposal includes funding and capital for vocational training « to help expand pathways for Black men to get good-paying jobs. »
Programs that distribute resources based on economic disadvantage and race have lost challenges in court. One example of this involves a nonprofit that provided small business grants to exclusively Black female business owners. Another example includes a federal disaster relief program that gave preference to minority and female farmers.
« A Harris administration would face a significant constitutional challenge in granting these loans on the basis of race », George Washington law professor Jonathan Turley said.
« It is unconstitutional because eligibility for the money would be determined by race », added Fox News legal analyst Gregory Jarrett. « Harris’ proposal smacks of blatant vote-buying. »
Dan Fee is an attorney, political consultant and president of the Philadelphia-based Echo Group, a crisis and communications firm that’s represented high profile clients like former Pennsylvania Gov.
