By Legal Defense Fund

Photos: Wikimedia Commons

Yesterday, the Legal Defense Fund (LDF) led a coalition of over 30 civil rights and racial justice organizations in filing public comments opposing a proposal by the General Services Administration (GSA) that would require recipients of federal funding, including nonprofits, to attest to vague, ideological statements from the Trump Administration before accessing federal funding opportunities. 

In today’s letters, the coalition notes the proposal would require groups seeking federal funding to complete vague certification requirements regarding federal anti-discrimination laws and agree to misleading federal guidance related to lawful diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility programs under threat of legal action. The certification requirements also seek to chill organizations that serve immigrant communities and engage in lawful activism and protest.  

“GSA’s proposed certification requirements would cause issues for many, but it’s clear the changes would have outsized harm for Black communities and other underserved groups. Federal funding should aim to assist the country’s most vulnerable, advance civil rights, and ensure equal access to opportunity. Funding should not be used as a political tool,” said Demetria McCain, Director of Policy at LDF. “Burdening organizations with vague compliance requirements would significantly hinder recipients’ ability to make sure resources actually get to those who need them. The administration’s attempts to target and penalize those who make sure our neighbors have a roof over their heads, food on the table, and the medicines they need to survive is abhorrent. They are also legally questionable, and we’ve seen similar attempts to impose such requirements blocked in court. We urge GSA to withdraw its proposed changes immediately.” 

The letters also highlight how state and local governments, hospitals, PK-12 schools, colleges and universities, and nonprofits, among others, would bear the burden of compliance. The group’s comments also explain how Black communities and other communities of color, women, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, and other underserved communities who rely on the services these organizations provide will suffer the most significant harm.  

The full letters can be found here and here.