Case: McKinney v. Vilsack

2:21-cv-00212 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas

Filed Date: June 10, 2021

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This case is one of several brought challenging the American Rescue Plan (ARP) and U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) classification of “socially disadvantaged groups.” A white farmer from Naples, Texas filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas (Marshall) on June 10, 2021. The two defendants were the Secretary of Agriculture (who leads the USDA) and the administrator of USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA). Plaintiff challenged Section 1005 of ARP which offered lo…

This case is one of several brought challenging the American Rescue Plan (ARP) and U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) classification of “socially disadvantaged groups.”

A white farmer from Naples, Texas filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas (Marshall) on June 10, 2021. The two defendants were the Secretary of Agriculture (who leads the USDA) and the administrator of USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA). Plaintiff challenged Section 1005 of ARP which offered loan forgiveness only to farmers who qualified as "socially disadvantaged." The USDA, for the purposes of Section 1005, defined a "socially disadvantaged group" as African Americans, American Indians, Alaska Natives, Hispanics, Asians, and Pacific Islanders. Plaintiff claimed that "[b]ut for his race, [he] would be eligible" under Section 1005 and argued that Section 1005 violated the Fifth Amendment’s guarantee of equal protection and violated the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). He asserted that Section 1005’s blanket classifications were not narrowly tailored nor “intended or designed to remedy specific instances of racial discrimination.” He further argued that because Section 1005 violated equal protection, the USDA’s adherence to it would be an “unlawful agency action” under the APA. Plaintiff sought declaratory and injunctive relief, $1 in nominal damages, and attorney's fees. He was represented by the Pacific Legal Foundation, a non-profit who defends those “threatened by government overreach and abuse.”

Judge Rodney Gilstrap was initially assigned. However, he was recused and replaced with Judge Robert W. Schroeder, III on June 11, 2021.

Plaintiff moved for a preliminary injunction on June 17, 2021. He alleged that "white farmers and ranchers are categorically excluded" from Section 1005 relief. As a result, white farmers were irreparably harmed by an apparent denial of equal protection under the law. Plaintiff cited the Fifth Circuit's decision in Dec. Distributed v. United States Dep't of State which held that "irreparable harm occurs whenever a constitutional right is deprived, even for a short period of time."

The government moved to stay all proceedings pending the resolution of the class action challenges to Section 1005 in Miller v. Vilsack on July 12, 2021. In Miller, the district court had both preliminarily enjoined the enforcement of Section 1005 and certified two classes of farmers bringing similar claims of discrimination.

Judge Schroeder granted the motion to stay on August 30, 2021. As of October 2021, the case was stayed pending the resolution of Miller.

Summary Authors

Eric Gripp (8/10/2021)

Jonah Hudson-Erdman (10/31/2021)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/59976119/parties/mckinney-v-vilsack/


Judge(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff

Fa, Wencong M (California)

Attorney for Defendant

Boynton, Brian M (District of Columbia)

Farby, Lesley (District of Columbia)

Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

Chen, Randolph T (District of Columbia)

Culpepper, Jessica Leigh (District of Columbia)

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document

2:21-cv-00212

Docket [PACER]

Aug. 30, 2021

Aug. 30, 2021

Docket
1

2:21-cv-00212

Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief

June 10, 2021

June 10, 2021

Complaint
24

2:21-cv-00212

Defendants' Motion to Stay Proceedings Pending Resolution of Related Class Action

July 12, 2021

July 12, 2021

Pleading / Motion / Brief
40

2:21-cv-00212

Order

Mckinney v. Vilsack

Aug. 30, 2021

Aug. 30, 2021

Order/Opinion

Resources

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/59976119/mckinney-v-vilsack/

Last updated Jan. 23, 2024, 3:12 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief against All Defendants ( Filing fee $ 402 receipt number 0540-8449551.), filed by Jarrod McKinney. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet)(Thompson, Joshua) (Entered: 06/10/2021)

1 Civil Cover Sheet

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June 10, 2021

June 10, 2021

RECAP

Case Assigned/Reassigned

June 10, 2021

June 10, 2021

PACER

Notice of Magistrate Availability

June 10, 2021

June 10, 2021

PACER

Case Assigned to District Judge Rodney Gilstrap. (nkl, )

June 10, 2021

June 10, 2021

PACER

In accordance with the provisions of 28 USC Section 636(c), you are hereby notified that a U.S. Magistrate Judge of this district court is available to conduct any or all proceedings in this case including a jury or non-jury trial and to order the entry of a final judgment. The form Consent to Proceed Before Magistrate Judge is available on our website. All signed consent forms, excluding pro se parties, should be filed electronically using the event Notice Regarding Consent to Proceed Before Magistrate Judge. (nkl, )

June 10, 2021

June 10, 2021

PACER
2

SUMMONS Issued as to Zach Ducheneaux, Thomas J Vilsack. (Attachments: # 1 Summons(es) Zach Ducheneaux)(nkl, ) (Entered: 06/10/2021)

June 10, 2021

June 10, 2021

PACER
3

NOTICE by Jarrod McKinney of Related Cases in other Districts (Thompson, Joshua) (Entered: 06/10/2021)

June 10, 2021

June 10, 2021

PACER
4

ORDER OF RECUSAL. District Judge Rodney Gilstrap recused. Case reassigned to District Judge Robert W. Schroeder, III for all further proceedings. Signed by District Judge Rodney Gilstrap on 6/11/2021. (ch, ) (Entered: 06/14/2021)

June 11, 2021

June 11, 2021

PACER
5

NOTICE of Attorney Appearance - Pro Hac Vice by Christopher M. Kieser on behalf of Jarrod McKinney. Filing fee $ 100, receipt number 0540-8453633. (Kieser, Christopher) (Entered: 06/14/2021)

June 14, 2021

June 14, 2021

PACER
6

NOTICE of Attorney Appearance - Pro Hac Vice by Wencong Fa on behalf of Jarrod McKinney. Filing fee $ 100, receipt number 0540-8453670. (Fa, Wencong) (Entered: 06/14/2021)

June 14, 2021

June 14, 2021

PACER
7

NOTICE of Attorney Appearance - Pro Hac Vice by Glenn E Roper on behalf of Jarrod McKinney. Filing fee $ 100, receipt number 0540-8455962. (Roper, Glenn) (Entered: 06/15/2021)

June 15, 2021

June 15, 2021

PACER
8

SUMMONS Returned Executed by Jarrod McKinney. All Defendants. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - Certified Mail Receipts)(Fa, Wencong) (Entered: 06/16/2021)

June 16, 2021

June 16, 2021

PACER
9

MOTION for Preliminary Injunction by Jarrod McKinney. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1 - Decision Granting TRO, # 2 Text of Proposed Order Granting Motion for Preliminary Injunction)(Fa, Wencong) (Entered: 06/17/2021)

1 Exhibit 1 - Decision Granting TRO

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2 Text of Proposed Order Granting Motion for Preliminary Injunction

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June 17, 2021

June 17, 2021

RECAP
10

AFFIDAVIT in Support re 9 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by Jarrod McKinney. (Fa, Wencong) (Entered: 06/17/2021)

June 17, 2021

June 17, 2021

PACER
11

AFFIDAVIT of Service for Motion for Preliminary Injunction, Declaration of Jarrod McKinney, Exhibit 1, and Proposed Order by certified mail, served on Thomas Vilsack, Zach Ducheneaux, Merrick Garland, and Nicholas Ganjei on 6/18/2021, filed by Jarrod McKinney. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - Certified Mail Receipts)(Fa, Wencong) (Entered: 06/18/2021)

June 18, 2021

June 18, 2021

PACER
12

Unopposed MOTION to Substitute Lead Attorney by Jarrod McKinney. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Fa, Wencong) (Entered: 06/21/2021)

June 21, 2021

June 21, 2021

PACER
13

NOTICE of Attorney Appearance - Pro Hac Vice by Michael F Knapp on behalf of Zach Ducheneaux, Thomas J Vilsack. (nkl, ) (Entered: 06/22/2021)

June 22, 2021

June 22, 2021

PACER
14

ORDER granting 12 Motion to Substitute LeadAttorney. Signed by District Judge Robert W. Schroeder, III on 6/24/2021. (ch, ) (Entered: 06/24/2021)

June 24, 2021

June 24, 2021

PACER
15

NOTICE of Attorney Appearance - Pro Hac Vice by Randolph T Chen on behalf of National Black Farmers Association, Association of American Indian Farmers. Filing fee $ 100, receipt number 0540-8480466. (Chen, Randolph) (Entered: 07/02/2021)

July 2, 2021

July 2, 2021

PACER
16

Opposed MOTION for Leave to File Amicus Brief in Opposition to Plaintiff's Motion for Preliminary Injunction by Association of American Indian Farmers, National Black Farmers Association. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order Granting Motion for Leave to File Amicus Brief)(Chen, Randolph) (Entered: 07/02/2021)

July 2, 2021

July 2, 2021

PACER
17

NOTICE by Association of American Indian Farmers, National Black Farmers Association re 16 Opposed MOTION for Leave to File Amicus Brief in Opposition to Plaintiff's Motion for Preliminary Injunction - Amicus Curiae Brief (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Exh. 1 - J. Boyd Decl., # 2 Exhibit Exh. 2 - K. Boyd Decl., # 3 Exhibit Exh. 3 - I. Williams Decl., # 4 Exhibit Exh. 4 - S. Lewis Decl.)(Chen, Randolph) (Entered: 07/02/2021)

July 2, 2021

July 2, 2021

PACER
18

DEFICIENT DOCUMENT Joint MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to 9 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction by Zach Ducheneaux, Thomas J Vilsack. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Knapp, Michael) Modified on 7/6/2021 (nkl, ). (Entered: 07/02/2021)

July 2, 2021

July 2, 2021

PACER
19

Joint MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to 9 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction (CORRECTED) by Zach Ducheneaux, Thomas J Vilsack. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Knapp, Michael) (Entered: 07/02/2021)

July 2, 2021

July 2, 2021

PACER

Notice of Deficiency

July 6, 2021

July 6, 2021

PACER

NOTICE of Deficiency regarding the Joint MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply submitted document 18 does not contain a Certificate of Conference. Correction should be made by one business day.(nkl, )

July 6, 2021

July 6, 2021

PACER
20

NOTICE of Attorney Appearance - Pro Hac Vice by David S Muraskin on behalf of Association of American Indian Farmers, National Black Farmers Association. Filing fee $ 100, receipt number 0540-8482087. (Muraskin, David) (Additional attachment(s) added on 7/6/2021: # 1 Sealed Attachment) (nkl, ). (Entered: 07/06/2021)

July 6, 2021

July 6, 2021

PACER
21

NOTICE of Attorney Appearance - Pro Hac Vice by Jessica L Culpepper on behalf of Association of American Indian Farmers, National Black Farmers Association. Filing fee $ 100, receipt number 0540-8482101. (Culpepper, Jessica) (Entered: 07/06/2021)

July 6, 2021

July 6, 2021

PACER
22

Unopposed MOTION to Intervene Conditionally and MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT by Association of American Indian Farmers, National Black Farmers Association. (Attachments: # 1 Exh. 1 - J. Boyd Decl., # 2 Exh. 2 - K. Boyd Decl., # 3 Exh. 3 - I. Williams Decl., # 4 Exh. 4 - S. Lewis Decl., # 5 Proposed Answer)(Chen, Randolph) (Entered: 07/06/2021)

July 6, 2021

July 6, 2021

PACER
23

ORDER granting 19 Motion for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply re 9 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction Responses due by 7/13/2021 Replies due by 7/27/2021.. Signed by District Judge Robert W. Schroeder, III on 7/8/2021. (nkl, ) (Entered: 07/08/2021)

July 8, 2021

July 8, 2021

PACER
24

MOTION to Stay Proceedings by Zach Ducheneaux, Thomas J Vilsack. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - Miller Order, # 2 Exhibit B - Faust Order, # 3 Text of Proposed Order)(Knapp, Michael) (Entered: 07/12/2021)

1 Exhibit A - Miller Order

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2 Exhibit B - Faust Order

View on PACER

3 Text of Proposed Order

View on PACER

July 12, 2021

July 12, 2021

RECAP
25

MOTION to Stay (Administrative) (TIME SENSITIVE) by Zach Ducheneaux, Thomas J Vilsack. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order (Primary), # 2 Text of Proposed Order (Alternative))(Knapp, Michael) (Entered: 07/12/2021)

July 12, 2021

July 12, 2021

PACER
26

RESPONSE in Opposition re 25 MOTION to Stay (Administrative) (TIME SENSITIVE) filed by Jarrod McKinney. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Fa, Wencong) (Entered: 07/13/2021)

July 13, 2021

July 13, 2021

PACER
27

ORDER re 25 MOTION to Stay (Administrative) (TIME SENSITIVE) filed by Zach Ducheneaux, Thomas J Vilsack. Signed by District Judge Robert W. Schroeder, III on 7/13/2021. (nkl, ) (Entered: 07/13/2021)

July 13, 2021

July 13, 2021

RECAP
28

REPLY to Response to Motion re 25 MOTION to Stay (Administrative) (TIME SENSITIVE) filed by Zach Ducheneaux, Thomas J Vilsack. (Knapp, Michael) (Entered: 07/15/2021)

July 15, 2021

July 15, 2021

PACER
29

RESPONSE in Opposition re 16 Opposed MOTION for Leave to File Amicus Brief in Opposition to Plaintiff's Motion for Preliminary Injunction filed by Jarrod McKinney. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order Denying Motion)(Fa, Wencong) (Entered: 07/16/2021)

July 16, 2021

July 16, 2021

PACER
30

Joint MOTION for Extension of Time to File Plaintiff's Opposition to Motion for Stay and Defendants' Answer (Time Sensitive) by Jarrod McKinney. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Fa, Wencong) (Entered: 07/22/2021)

July 22, 2021

July 22, 2021

PACER
31

ORDER granting 30 Motion for Extension of Time to File Plaintiff's Opposition to Motion for Stay and Defendants' Answer (Time Sensitive). Signed by District Judge Robert W. Schroeder, III on 7/26/2021. (nkl, ) (Entered: 07/26/2021)

July 26, 2021

July 26, 2021

RECAP
32

RESPONSE in Opposition re 24 MOTION to Stay Proceedings filed by Jarrod McKinney. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1 - Order, Holman v Vilsack, # 2 Exhibit 2 - Joint Report, Miller v Vilsack, # 3 Text of Proposed Order denying Motion for Stay)(Fa, Wencong) (Entered: 08/06/2021)

Aug. 6, 2021

Aug. 6, 2021

PACER
33

REPLY to Response to Motion re 24 MOTION to Stay Proceedings filed by Zach Ducheneaux, Thomas J Vilsack. (Knapp, Michael) (Entered: 08/13/2021)

Aug. 13, 2021

Aug. 13, 2021

PACER
34

NOTICE by Zach Ducheneaux, Thomas J Vilsack re 24 MOTION to Stay Proceedings (Supplemental Authority) (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1 - Carpenter Order)(Knapp, Michael) (Entered: 08/16/2021)

Aug. 16, 2021

Aug. 16, 2021

PACER
35

NOTICE by Zach Ducheneaux, Thomas J Vilsack re 24 MOTION to Stay Proceedings (Supplemental Authority) (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1 - Joyner Order)(Knapp, Michael) (Entered: 08/19/2021)

Aug. 19, 2021

Aug. 19, 2021

PACER
36

SUR-REPLY to Reply to Response to Motion re 24 MOTION to Stay Proceedings filed by Jarrod McKinney. (Fa, Wencong) (Entered: 08/20/2021)

Aug. 20, 2021

Aug. 20, 2021

PACER
37

NOTICE by Zach Ducheneaux, Thomas J Vilsack re 24 MOTION to Stay Proceedings (Supplemental Authority) (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1 - Faust Order Granting Stay)(Knapp, Michael) (Entered: 08/23/2021)

Aug. 23, 2021

Aug. 23, 2021

PACER
38

Unopposed MOTION to Withdraw as Attorney (Randolph T. Chen) by Association of American Indian Farmers, National Black Farmers Association. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Chen, Randolph) (Entered: 08/25/2021)

1 Text of Proposed Order

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Aug. 25, 2021

Aug. 25, 2021

RECAP
39

ORDER granting 38 Motion to Withdraw as Attorney. Attorney Randolph T Chen terminated. Signed by District Judge Robert W. Schroeder, III on 8/26/2021. (nkl, ) (Entered: 08/26/2021)

Aug. 26, 2021

Aug. 26, 2021

PACER
40

ORDER granting 24 Motion to Stay Proceedings. Signed by District Judge Robert W. Schroeder, III on 8/30/2021. (nkl, ) (Entered: 08/30/2021)

Aug. 30, 2021

Aug. 30, 2021

RECAP
41

STATUS REPORT by Zach Ducheneaux, Thomas J Vilsack. (Knapp, Michael) (Entered: 11/29/2021)

Nov. 29, 2021

Nov. 29, 2021

RECAP
42

STATUS REPORT by Zach Ducheneaux, Thomas J Vilsack. (Knapp, Michael) (Entered: 02/28/2022)

Feb. 28, 2022

Feb. 28, 2022

PACER
43

STATUS REPORT by Zach Ducheneaux, Thomas J Vilsack. (Knapp, Michael) (Entered: 05/27/2022)

May 27, 2022

May 27, 2022

RECAP
44

STATUS REPORT by Zach Ducheneaux, Thomas J Vilsack. (Knapp, Michael) (Entered: 08/25/2022)

Aug. 25, 2022

Aug. 25, 2022

RECAP
45

STATUS REPORT by Zach Ducheneaux, Thomas J Vilsack. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - Miller Joint Stipulation of Dismissal)(Knapp, Michael) (Entered: 09/08/2022)

1 Exhibit A - Miller Joint Stipulation of Dismissal

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Sept. 8, 2022

Sept. 8, 2022

RECAP
46

MOTION Lift Stay re 40 Order on Motion to Stay, 1 Complaint, MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction by Zach Ducheneaux, Thomas J Vilsack. (Knapp, Michael) (Additional attachment(s) added on 9/15/2022: # 1 Text of Proposed Order) (ch, ). (Entered: 09/15/2022)

Sept. 15, 2022

Sept. 15, 2022

PACER
47

Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to 46 MOTION Lift Stay re 40 Order on Motion to Stay, 1 Complaint MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction, to Oct. 13, 2022, by Jarrod McKinney. (Fa, Wencong) (Additional attachment(s) added on 9/26/2022: # 1 Text of Proposed Order) (nkl, ). (Entered: 09/26/2022)

Sept. 26, 2022

Sept. 26, 2022

PACER
48

NOTICE of Voluntary Dismissal by Jarrod McKinney (Fa, Wencong) (Additional attachment(s) added on 9/30/2022: # 1 Text of Proposed Order) (ch, ). (Entered: 09/29/2022)

Sept. 29, 2022

Sept. 29, 2022

PACER
49

ORDER granting 47 Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to 46 MOTION Lift Stay re 40 Order on Motion to Stay, 1 Complaint MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction, to Oct. 13, 2022,, 46 MOTION Lift Stay re 40 Order on Motion to Stay, 1 Complaint MOTION to Dismiss for Lack of Jurisdiction Responses due by 10/13/2022. Signed by District Judge Robert W. Schroeder, III on 9/29/2022. (ch, ) (Entered: 09/29/2022)

Sept. 29, 2022

Sept. 29, 2022

PACER
50

ORDER OF DISMISSAL. It is therefore ORDERED that the above captioned matter is DISMISSED WITHOUT PREJUDICE. Signed by District Judge Robert W. Schroeder, III on 10/18/2022. (slo, ) (Entered: 10/18/2022)

Oct. 18, 2022

Oct. 18, 2022

RECAP

Case Details

State / Territory: Texas

Case Type(s):

Public Benefits/Government Services

Special Collection(s):

Challenges to minority benefits in Biden Administration American Rescue Plan

Key Dates

Filing Date: June 10, 2021

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

A farmer from Naples, Texas.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

U.S. Department of Agriculture (Washington), Federal

Farm Service Agency (Washington), Federal

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Ex Parte Young (Federal) or Bivens

Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. §§ 551 et seq.

Ex parte Young (federal or state officials)

Constitutional Clause(s):

Equal Protection

Available Documents:

Trial Court Docket

Complaint (any)

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Nature of Relief:

None yet

Source of Relief:

None yet

Content of Injunction:

Preliminary relief request withdrawn/mooted

Issues

General:

Funding

Public benefits (includes, e.g., in-state tuition, govt. jobs)

Discrimination-area:

Lending

Discrimination-basis:

Race discrimination

Race:

White

Benefit Source:

American Rescue Plan (ARP)