Asheville, NC abandons reparations plans after DOJ threat: report

Asheville, North Carolina's reparations plans have reportedly been abandoned after DOJ Civil Rights Division Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon warned that recommendations reached by the committee would violate federal civil rights laws if implemented.

Matt Van Swol reported on X, "The Asheville NC Reparations Committee, which proposed giving Black mothers only free childcare, create a 'Black joy' fund and give Black teachers 'reparations pay' … has now been completely abandoned after [Harmeet Dhillon] threatened a lawsuit against them WINNING!!!"

On September 4, Dhillon sent a letter to the County of Buncombe’s Board of County Commissioners, writing, "The US Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division has recently become aware of concerning recommendations presented to you by the Asheville-Buncombe County Community Reparations Commission."

"The final report, presented on September 2, 2025, includes 38 recommendations in five focus areas—criminal justice, economic development, education, health and wellness, and housing. I also understand that the Reparations Commission will present its recommendations to the City of Asheville on September 9, 2025.

"After our initial review, we are deeply concerned that many of the recommendations, if implemented, would violate federal civil rights laws, including, without limitation, the Fair Housing Act, Title VI, Title VII, and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution."

The letter continued, "although you have not formally adopted the recommendations, public reporting suggests that you intend to do so," adding that the county had reportedly set aside over $2.9 million towards implementing the recommendations.

"My office will be closely monitoring your actions. To the extent these recommendations are formally adopted, you are now on notice that my office stands ready to investigate and enforce violations of federal civil rights laws to the fullest extent possible."

Among the recommendations reached in the committee’s report were: "Educational spaces must also foster emotional and cultural healing. Black Student Union groups should be supported with protected time for meetings and opportunities to build community among Black students and staff. Mental health, mindfulness, and self-regulation supports must be available to all Black school stakeholders, utilizing both traditional and non-traditional modalities such as sound healing, music therapy, and equine therapy."

Another recommendation stated, "every K–5 student should graduate having been taught by at least one Black teacher. Similarly, middle school students (grades 6–8) should be taught by a Black educator in at least one core subject area (math, English, or science), and the same standard should apply through high school (grades 9–12). Furthermore, every school should have at least one administrator of color in a leadership role."

The report also stated that a "Black Joy Fund" should be established to create "multidimensional, joy filled experiences and spaces that cultivate a healthy community."