Judge blocks Biden farm loan forgiveness program that plays favorites based on race

Posted at 11:45 a.m. on June 11, 2021

The Brillion News

GREEN BAY - Federal district court Judge William Griesbach on June 10 issued an order blocking payments in a federal farm loan forgiveness program that gives priorities to farmers who are not white.

The program, created by the Biden Administration as a part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), favors certain farmers and ranchers, based on race.

The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty, a conservative constitutional law group, filed a suit in federal district court on behalf of 12 Caucasian farmers from nine states, including Adam Faust of rural Chilton and Christoper Baird, of Crawford County, Wisconsin.

"The Court concludes that Plaintiffs are liely to succees on the merits of their claim that Defendants' use of raced-based criteria in the the administration of the program violates their right to equal protection under the law," Griesbach wrote.

{<< Photo is of Adam Faust, of rural Chilton, one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit.]

Judge Griesbach granted a temporary restraining order blocking the Biden Administration from forgiving any farm loans under the program while the court considers Plaintiffs' motion for a preliminary injunction.

The suit seeks a permanent injunction.

Griesbach also made his temporary restraining order "universal," applying to the whole program, not just protecting the 12 plaintiffs from discrimination.