Case: American Alliance For Equal Rights v. Bennett

1:25-cv-00669 | U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois

Filed Date: Jan. 21, 2025

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This case, in which the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) intervened as a plaintiff, challenged an Illinois law (Senate Bill 2930) that went into effect on January 1, 2025 and requires certain nonprofits to publicly report aggregated demographic information about their officers and directors—including race, ethnicity, gender, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, and gender identity. (To view the Clearinghouse’s collection of litigation and investigations involving the second Tr…

This case, in which the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) intervened as a plaintiff, challenged an Illinois law (Senate Bill 2930) that went into effect on January 1, 2025 and requires certain nonprofits to publicly report aggregated demographic information about their officers and directors—including race, ethnicity, gender, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, and gender identity. (To view the Clearinghouse’s collection of litigation and investigations involving the second Trump administration, click here.)

On January 21, 2025, the American Alliance for Equal Rights (AAER)—a legal nonprofit founded by Edward Blum, the founder of Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA)—filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Illinois’ Attorney General, Department of Human Rights, and Secretary of State. Represented by the law firm Consovoy McCarthy, the plaintiffs argued that Illinois Senate Bill 2930 (SB 2930) violated the Equal Protection Clause under the Fourteenth Amendment by “pressur[ing] them to discriminate when choosing board members” and violated the First Amendment by compelling and regulating non-commercial speech. AAER alleged that two of its members—unnamed in the complaint—were regulated by SB 2930 and authorized AAER to represent them. For relief, the plaintiff sought a declaratory judgment that SB 2930 is unconstitutional; preliminary and permanent injunctive relief; and costs and attorneys’ fees. The case was assigned to District Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman and Magistrate Judge Heather K. McShain on the same day. 

On March 4, 2025, DOJ moved to intervene as a plaintiff in the lawsuit, arguing that SB 2930 encourages nonprofits to discriminate based on race in violation of the Equal Protection Clause. An acting U.S. Associate Attorney General stated, “[t]his intervention seeks to eliminate discrimination via DEI and ensure the Constitution’s guarantee of equal protection is enforced” (as reported here). The defendants did not oppose the motion, and the court granted it on March 11. A couple days later (March 13), DOJ filed its intervenor complaint, alleging that SB 2930 violated the Equal Protection Clause.

This case is ongoing. 

Summary Authors

Sylvia Al-Mateen (4/1/2025)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69561077/parties/american-alliance-for-equal-rights-v-bennett/


Judge(s)

Coleman, Sharon Johnson (Illinois)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Anderson, R. Gabriel (Illinois)

Attorney for Defendant

Berlin, Holly Frances (Illinois)

Ehler, Karyn L (Illinois)

Jordan, Elizabeth H. (Illinois)

show all people

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
1

1:25-cv-00669

Verified Complaint

American Alliance for Equal Rights v. Raoul

Jan. 21, 2025

Jan. 21, 2025

Complaint
18

1:25-cv-00669

Memorandum of Law in Support of United States’ Motion to Intervene

March 4, 2025

March 4, 2025

Magistrate Report/Recommendation
17

1:25-cv-00669

United States' Motion to Intervene

American Alliance for Equal Rights v. Raoul

March 4, 2025

March 4, 2025

Pleading / Motion / Brief
28

1:25-cv-00669

Complaint in Intervention of the Untied States of America

American Alliance for Equal Rights v. Raoul

March 13, 2025

March 13, 2025

Complaint

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69561077/american-alliance-for-equal-rights-v-bennett/

Last updated April 21, 2025, 2:54 p.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT filed by American Alliance For Equal Rights; Filing fee $ 405, receipt number AILNDC-22974145. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet, # 2 Local Rule 3.2 Notification of Affiliates)(Pociask, Matthew) (Entered: 01/21/2025)

1 Civil Cover Sheet

View on PACER

2 Local Rule 3.2 Notification of Affiliates

View on PACER

Jan. 21, 2025

Jan. 21, 2025

Clearinghouse
2

ATTORNEY Appearance for Plaintiff American Alliance For Equal Rights by Matthew Pociask (Pociask, Matthew) (Entered: 01/21/2025)

Jan. 21, 2025

Jan. 21, 2025

PACER

CASE ASSIGNED to the Honorable Sharon Johnson Coleman. Designated as Magistrate Judge the Honorable Heather K. McShain. Case assignment: Random assignment. (Civil Category 2). (dec, )

Jan. 21, 2025

Jan. 21, 2025

PACER

CLERK'S NOTICE: Pursuant to Local Rule 73.1(b), a United States Magistrate Judge of this court is available to conduct all proceedings in this civil action. If all parties consent to have the currently assigned United States Magistrate Judge conduct all proceedings in this case, including trial, the entry of final judgment, and all post-trial proceedings, all parties must sign their names on the attached Consent To form. This consent form is eligible for filing only if executed by all parties. The parties can also express their consent to jurisdiction by a magistrate judge in any joint filing, including the Joint Initial Status Report or proposed Case Management Order. (dec, )

Jan. 21, 2025

Jan. 21, 2025

PACER
3

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Sharon Johnson Coleman: This case has been assigned to the calendar of Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman. Status hearing is set for 3/21/2025 at 9:45 AM as an in-person hearing. Plaintiff(s) is directed to advise the defendant(s) of the status hearing forthwith. The parties are directed to meet and discuss the status of the case. The parties are to file a joint status report in the format described on the court's website at www.ilnd.uscourts.gov at least 3 business days prior to the status. The parties are directed to discuss settlement, and whether they consent to proceed before the Magistrate Judge. If the parties agree to consent jurisdiction before the Magistrate Judge, all parties must sign the consent form and electronically file the signed form on the case docket. The court encourages the parties to review this court's website for its standing orders prior to contacting chambers. Mailed notice. (ym) (Entered: 01/22/2025)

Jan. 22, 2025

Jan. 22, 2025

PACER

SUMMONS Issued as to Defendants James Bennett, Alexi Giannoulias, Kwame Raoul (lj, )

Jan. 23, 2025

Jan. 23, 2025

PACER
4

AFFIDAVIT of Service filed by Plaintiff American Alliance For Equal Rights regarding Summons served on Alexi Giannoulias, James Bennett, and Kwame Raoul on 1/24/25 (Pociask, Matthew) (Entered: 01/27/2025)

Jan. 27, 2025

Jan. 27, 2025

PACER
5

SUMMONS Returned Executed by American Alliance For Equal Rights as to James Bennett on 1/24/2025, answer due 2/14/2025; Alexi Giannoulias on 1/24/2025, answer due 2/14/2025; Kwame Raoul on 1/24/2025, answer due 2/14/2025. (Pociask, Matthew) (Entered: 01/28/2025)

Jan. 28, 2025

Jan. 28, 2025

PACER
6

ATTORNEY Appearance for Defendants James Bennett, Kwame Raoul, Alexi Giannoulias by Karyn L Bass Ehler (Bass Ehler, Karyn) (Entered: 02/13/2025)

Feb. 13, 2025

Feb. 13, 2025

PACER
7

MOTION by Defendants James Bennett, Kwame Raoul, Alexi Giannoulias for extension of time to file answer regarding complaint 1 Agreed (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Bass Ehler, Karyn) (Entered: 02/13/2025)

Feb. 13, 2025

Feb. 13, 2025

PACER
8

NOTICE of Motion by Karyn L Bass Ehler for presentment of motion for extension of time to file answer 7 before Honorable Sharon Johnson Coleman on 2/18/2025 at 10:00 AM. (Bass Ehler, Karyn) (Entered: 02/13/2025)

Feb. 13, 2025

Feb. 13, 2025

PACER
9

ATTORNEY Appearance for Defendants James Bennett, Kwame Raoul, Alexi Giannoulias by Elizabeth H. Jordan (Jordan, Elizabeth) (Entered: 02/14/2025)

Feb. 14, 2025

Feb. 14, 2025

PACER
10

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Sharon Johnson Coleman: Defendants' agreed motion for initial extension of time to answer 7 is granted. Responsive pleading to be filed by 3/14/2025. No appearance necessary on 2/18/2025. Mailed notice. (ym) (Entered: 02/14/2025)

Feb. 14, 2025

Feb. 14, 2025

PACER
11

ATTORNEY Appearance for Defendants James Bennett, Alexi Giannoulias, Kwame Raoul by Holly Frances Balsley Berlin (Berlin, Holly) (Entered: 02/19/2025)

Feb. 19, 2025

Feb. 19, 2025

PACER
12

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Filing fee $ 150, receipt number AILNDC-23119836. (Anderson, R. Gabriel) (Entered: 02/24/2025)

Feb. 24, 2025

Feb. 24, 2025

PACER
13

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Sharon Johnson Coleman: Attorney Richard Gabriel Anderson's motion for leave to appear pro hac vice 12 is granted. Mailed notice. (ym) (Entered: 02/25/2025)

Feb. 25, 2025

Feb. 25, 2025

PACER
14

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Filing fee $ 150, receipt number AILNDC-23132268. (Norris, Cameron) (Entered: 02/25/2025)

Feb. 25, 2025

Feb. 25, 2025

PACER
15

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Filing fee $ 150, receipt number AILNDC-23138054. (McCarthy, Thomas) (Entered: 02/26/2025)

Feb. 26, 2025

Feb. 26, 2025

PACER
16

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Sharon Johnson Coleman: Attorneys Cameron T. Norris and Thomas R. McCarthy's motions for leave to appear pro hac vice 14 and 15 are granted. Mailed notice. (ym) (Entered: 03/03/2025)

March 3, 2025

March 3, 2025

PACER
17

MOTION by Intervenor Plaintiff UNITED STATES to intervene (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Certificate of the Attorney General, # 2 Exhibit Complaint in Intervention)(Pinion, Hilary) (Entered: 03/04/2025)

1 Exhibit Certificate of the Attorney General

View on RECAP

2 Exhibit Complaint in Intervention

View on RECAP

March 4, 2025

March 4, 2025

Clearinghouse
18

MEMORANDUM by UNITED STATES in support of motion to intervene 17 (Pinion, Hilary) (Entered: 03/04/2025)

March 4, 2025

March 4, 2025

PACER
19

ATTORNEY Appearance for Intervenor Plaintiff UNITED STATES by Hilary Pinion (Pinion, Hilary) (Entered: 03/04/2025)

March 4, 2025

March 4, 2025

PACER
20

NOTICE of Motion by Hilary Pinion for presentment of motion to intervene 17 before Honorable Sharon Johnson Coleman on 3/11/2025 at 10:00 AM. (Pinion, Hilary) (Entered: 03/04/2025)

March 4, 2025

March 4, 2025

PACER
21

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Sharon Johnson Coleman: The Court is in receipt of the United States' motion to intervene 17 . If Defendants wish to file a response, such response must be filed by 3/18/2025. The United States' reply is due 3/25/2025. Presentment hearing set for 3/11/2025 is stricken. The in-person status hearing set for 3/21/2025 at 9:45 AM stands. The parties are to file a joint status report in the format described on the court's website at www.ilnd.uscourts.gov at least 3 business days prior to the status hearing. Mailed notice. (ym) (Entered: 03/06/2025)

March 6, 2025

March 6, 2025

PACER
22

NOTICE by James Bennett, Alexi Giannoulias, Kwame Raoul of No Opposition to Proposed Intervenor's Motion to Intervene (Berlin, Holly) (Entered: 03/10/2025)

March 10, 2025

March 10, 2025

PACER
23

MOTION by Defendants James Bennett, Alexi Giannoulias, Kwame Raoul for extension of time to file answer or Otherwise Respond so as to Align Case Deadlines (Berlin, Holly) (Entered: 03/10/2025)

March 10, 2025

March 10, 2025

PACER
24

NOTICE of Motion by Holly Frances Balsley Berlin for presentment of motion for extension of time to file answer 23 before Honorable Sharon Johnson Coleman on 3/18/2025 at 10:00 AM. (Berlin, Holly) (Entered: 03/10/2025)

March 10, 2025

March 10, 2025

PACER
25

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Sharon Johnson Coleman: In light of Defendants' non-opposition to the United States' motion to intervene, the Court grants the United States' motion to intervene 17 and strikes the related briefing schedule 21 . The Court grants Defendants' Motion to Extend Time to Answer or Otherwise Respond so as to Align Case Deadlines 23 . Accordingly, Defendants' deadline to answer or otherwise respond to the Complaint and the Complaint in Intervention shall be 21 days after Intervenor serves the new Defendants it seeks to add. Presentment hearing set for 3/18/2025 is stricken. The in-person status hearing set for 3/21/2025 at 9:45 AM stands. Mailed notice. (ym) (Entered: 03/11/2025)

March 11, 2025

March 11, 2025

PACER
26

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Sharon Johnson Coleman: The in-person status hearing set for 3/21/2025 at 9:45 AM is reset to 10:30 AM (NOTE TIME CHANGE ONLY). Mailed notice. (ym) (Entered: 03/12/2025)

March 12, 2025

March 12, 2025

PACER
27

ATTORNEY Appearance for Intervenor Plaintiff UNITED STATES by Louis Whitsett (Whitsett, Louis) (Entered: 03/12/2025)

March 12, 2025

March 12, 2025

PACER
28

INTERVENOR complaint filed by UNITED STATES against All Defendants (Pinion, Hilary) (Entered: 03/13/2025)

March 13, 2025

March 13, 2025

Clearinghouse
33

STATUS Report by American Alliance For Equal Rights (Norris, Cameron) (Entered: 03/18/2025)

March 18, 2025

March 18, 2025

RECAP
36

SUMMONS Issued (Court Participant) as to Defendant State of Illinois (rjm, ) (Entered: 03/19/2025)

March 19, 2025

March 19, 2025

PACER
37

SUMMONS Issued (Court Participant) as to Defendant J.B. Pritzker (rjm, ) (Entered: 03/19/2025)

March 19, 2025

March 19, 2025

PACER
38

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Sharon Johnson Coleman: Status hearing held on 3/21/2025. The Court notes that Defendants J. B. Pritzker and the State of Illinois need to be served. Counsel for Intervenor Plaintiff reported that summons were issued and are in the process of being served. Counsel expects service to be completed either today or next week. Counsel for Plaintiff reported that Plaintiff and Intervenor Plaintiff intend to file motions for preliminary injunction by April 1, 2025, and requested that the issues in this matter be ruled on expeditiously. If Plaintiff Intervenor completes service upon all Defendants on Monday, 3/24/2025, responsive pleadings for all Defendants are to be filed on or before 4/14/2025. Otherwise, Defendants' responsive pleadings must be filed within 21 days after service on all Defendants is completed. Counsel for Defendants reported that they oppose Plaintiff and Intervenor Plaintiff's request for a stay of discovery. No discovery shall be conducted pending the filings of responsive pleadings. The Court sets an in-person status hearing for 4/30/2025 at 9:00 AM. Mailed notice. (ym) (Entered: 03/21/2025)

March 21, 2025

March 21, 2025

PACER
39

AFFIDAVIT of Service filed by Intervenor Plaintiff UNITED STATES regarding Affidavit of Service served on State of Illinois on 3/25/25 (Whitsett, Louis) (Entered: 03/26/2025)

March 26, 2025

March 26, 2025

PACER
40

SUMMONS Returned Executed by UNITED STATES as to State of Illinois on 3/25/2025, answer due 4/15/2025. (Whitsett, Louis) (Entered: 03/26/2025)

March 26, 2025

March 26, 2025

PACER
41

AFFIDAVIT of Service filed by Intervenor Plaintiff UNITED STATES regarding Complaint in Intervention served on Governor of Illinois on 3/24/25 (Whitsett, Louis) (Entered: 03/26/2025)

March 26, 2025

March 26, 2025

PACER
42

SUMMONS Returned Executed by UNITED STATES as to J.B. Pritzker on 3/24/2025, answer due 4/14/2025. (Whitsett, Louis) (Entered: 03/26/2025)

March 26, 2025

March 26, 2025

PACER
43

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Sharon Johnson Coleman: Consistent with this Court's Orders on 3/11/2025 25 and 3/21/2025 38, responsive pleadings for all Defendants are to be filed on or before 4/15/2025. Mailed notice. (ym) (Entered: 04/01/2025)

April 1, 2025

April 1, 2025

PACER
44

MOTION by Plaintiff American Alliance For Equal Rights for preliminary injunction (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Edward Blum, # 2 Declaration of Officer A, # 3 Declaration of Officer B, # 4 Appendix)(Norris, Cameron) (Entered: 04/01/2025)

1 Declaration of Edward Blum

View on PACER

2 Declaration of Officer A

View on PACER

3 Declaration of Officer B

View on PACER

4 Appendix

View on PACER

April 1, 2025

April 1, 2025

RECAP
45

NOTICE of Motion by Cameron T. Norris for presentment of motion for preliminary injunction 44 before Honorable Sharon Johnson Coleman on 4/15/2025 at 10:00 AM. (Norris, Cameron) (Entered: 04/01/2025)

April 1, 2025

April 1, 2025

PACER
46

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Sharon Johnson Coleman: Defendants to file a response to plaintiff's motion for preliminary injunction 44 by 4/29/2025. Plaintiff to file a reply by 5/13/2025. Once the matter is fully briefed, the Court shall take it under advisement. Oral arguments are set for 5/23/2025 at 1:30 PM as an in-person hearing. No appearance necessary on 4/15/2025. As this Court's website directs, the parties must provide courtesy copies in hard copy form of all substantive and/or dispositive motions, including the corresponding legal briefs and attachments. Mailed notice. (ym) (Entered: 04/02/2025)

April 2, 2025

April 2, 2025

PACER
47

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Filing fee $ 150, receipt number AILNDC-23303160. (Sayer, Marie) (Entered: 04/04/2025)

April 4, 2025

April 4, 2025

PACER
48

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Sharon Johnson Coleman: Attorney Marie E. Sayer's motion for leave to appear pro hac vice 47 is denied for failure to complete the form in its entirety. Mailed notice. (ym) (Entered: 04/04/2025)

April 4, 2025

April 4, 2025

PACER
49

MOTION by Intervenor Plaintiff UNITED STATES for preliminary injunction (Pinion, Hilary) (Entered: 04/08/2025)

April 8, 2025

April 8, 2025

RECAP
50

MEMORANDUM by UNITED STATES in support of motion for preliminary injunction 49 (Pinion, Hilary) (Entered: 04/08/2025)

April 8, 2025

April 8, 2025

RECAP
51

NOTICE of Motion by Hilary Pinion for presentment of motion for preliminary injunction 49 before Honorable Sharon Johnson Coleman on 4/15/2025 at 10:00 AM. (Pinion, Hilary) (Entered: 04/08/2025)

April 8, 2025

April 8, 2025

PACER
52

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Filing fee $ 150, receipt number AILNDC-23322185. (Sayer, Marie) (Entered: 04/09/2025)

April 9, 2025

April 9, 2025

PACER
53

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Sharon Johnson Coleman: In light of Intervenor Plaintiff's motion 49, the Court adjusts the briefing schedule. Defendants to file a response or responses to Plaintiff and Intervenor Plaintiff's motions for preliminary injunction [44, 49] by 5/2/2025. Plaintiff and Intervenor Plaintiff to file their replies by 5/13/2025. Oral arguments are set for 5/23/2025 at 1:30 PM as an in-person hearing. No appearance necessary on 4/15/2025. Mailed notice. (ym) (Entered: 04/09/2025)

April 9, 2025

April 9, 2025

PACER
54

MINUTE entry before the Honorable Sharon Johnson Coleman: Attorney Marie E. Sayer's motion for leave to appear pro hac vice 52 is granted. Mailed notice. (ym) (Entered: 04/09/2025)

April 9, 2025

April 9, 2025

PACER
55

MOTION by Defendants Alexi Giannoulias, Kwame Raoul, State of Illinois, J.B. Pritzker, James Bennett to dismiss (Jordan, Elizabeth) (Entered: 04/15/2025)

April 15, 2025

April 15, 2025

PACER
56

MEMORANDUM by James Bennett, Alexi Giannoulias, J.B. Pritzker, Kwame Raoul, State of Illinois in support of motion to dismiss 55 (Jordan, Elizabeth) (Entered: 04/15/2025)

April 15, 2025

April 15, 2025

RECAP
57

NOTICE of Motion by Elizabeth H. Jordan for presentment of motion to dismiss 55 before Honorable Sharon Johnson Coleman on 4/29/2025 at 10:00 AM. (Jordan, Elizabeth) (Entered: 04/15/2025)

April 15, 2025

April 15, 2025

PACER

Case Details

State / Territory: Illinois

Case Type(s):

Speech and Religious Freedom

Equal Employment

Special Collection(s):

Trump Administration 2.0: Litigation and Investigations Involving the Government

Trump Administration 2.0: Litigation and Investigations Involving the Government (Anti-semitism/DEIA)

Key Dates

Filing Date: Jan. 21, 2025

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

The legal nonprofit American Alliance for Equal Rights (AAER) and, as an intervenor-plaintiff, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).

Plaintiff Type(s):

U.S. Dept of Justice plaintiff

Non-profit NON-religious organization

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Illinois Attorney General, State

Illinois Secretary of State, State

Illinois Department of Human Rights, State

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Case Details

Causes of Action:

42 U.S.C. § 1983

Constitutional Clause(s):

Freedom of speech/association

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

Issues

Discrimination Basis:

Race discrimination