Nonprofits Challenge USDA Grant Conditions That Limit Speech and Programs

A coalition of five nonprofit groups dedicated to building a more equitable food system sued the U.S. Department of Agriculture in the Western District of Washington, seeking an injunction against newly imposed grant conditions. The USDA’s rules require grantees to refrain from advancing diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, discussing gender ideology, or supporting immigrants, and threaten penalties for alleged non-compliance.

Legal representation comes from Public Citizen Litigation Group, Earthjustice and FarmSTAND, who argue the provisions violate constitutional free-speech protections and could expose organizations to civil or criminal liability. The plaintiffs, including Agroecology Commons and Washington Farmland Trust, say the constraints force them to abandon essential programs or reject vital federal funding, such as the $676,000 the Trust would lose for its land-access initiative.

Executives like Melissa Campbell of Washington Farmland Trust emphasize that the funding is crucial for helping farmers secure land and resources. The lawsuit seeks to block enforcement of the terms so the organizations can continue their work without compromising their advocacy or programmatic goals.