TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Azya Thornton on Oct 15, 2025

The Black Farmers and Agriculturalists Association plans to seek a rehearing after a U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals panel upheld a ruling barring families from filing “legacy claims” on behalf of deceased relatives who suffered from farm-lending discrimination. The lawsuit, filed in August 2023, alleged the U.S. Department of Agriculture acted arbitrarily by rejecting those claims for relief under the $2.2 billion Discrimination Financial Assistance Program. According to the Tennessee Lookout, the appeals court agreed with a lower court’s finding that only living farmers qualify for assistance, reasoning that financial aid is meant to help with ongoing needs. Attorney Percy Squire, representing the association, said the panel’s interpretation is too narrow and fails to honor Congress’ intent to address the consequences of historic discrimination against Black farmers.