Racial Cases in US in 2025

Based on initial information about cases and events in 2025, here are some of the notable race-related legal cases and issues in the U.S.:

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Significant Court Cases & Legal Decisions:

• Reverse Discrimination Standard: In June 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a unanimous decision in Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services, holding that plaintiffs in “reverse discrimination” claims (discrimination claims brought by a member of a historical majority group, such as a white person) under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act are not subject to a heightened or extra standard of proof.
• Voting Rights in Alabama: A trial was held in February 2025 regarding Alabama’s congressional districts, which were challenged for allegedly discriminating against Black voters. In May 2025, a federal court ruled that Alabama’s 2023 congressional map violates Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act and was enacted with racially discriminatory intent.
• Challenging Classroom Censorship Laws (Oklahoma): A case titled Black Emergency Response Team v. Drummond challenging an Oklahoma law (HB 1775) that restricts teaching and learning about race and gender in public schools was listed as ongoing in September 2025.
• Immigration Raids and Racial Profiling: A September 2025 Supreme Court order temporarily halted a lower court’s restriction on “roving patrols” by immigration agents, raising concerns that the decision could clear the way for increased racial profiling during immigration raids.

Employment Discrimination (EEOC Lawsuits/Settlements):

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced various settlements and lawsuits concerning racial discrimination in the workplace throughout 2025, including cases involving:

• Racial Harassment and Hostile Work Environment: Several companies, including Sinclair Broadcast Group, TNT Crane & Rigging, and Boart Longyear, settled or faced lawsuits regarding allegations of racial harassment, hostile work environments, and retaliation against Black employees.
• Pay Discrimination: Cases were reported involving allegations of unlawful pay discrimination based on race.

Other Notable Issues and Developments:

• DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) Guidance: In July 2025, the Department of Justice released guidance clarifying that federal anti-discrimination laws apply to programs labeled as DEI, emphasizing that entities receiving federal funds must not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics.
• Hate Crimes: The Department of Justice announced numerous successful prosecutions and sentencings for hate crimes throughout the year, targeting various racial, ethnic, and religious groups.
• Homelessness and Criminal Justice: A case challenging San Francisco’s practices regarding homelessness, Coalition on Homelessness v. City and County of San Francisco, was listed as having an ongoing status in June 2025, and is often related to issues of criminal justice and racial disparity.