ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The U.S. Department of Justice has raised concerns that several recommendations from the Asheville-Buncombe Community Reparations Committee could violate federal civil rights laws.
In a letter dated Sept. 4, Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon warned local officials the proposals may conflict with the Fair Housing Act, Title VI, Title VII and the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
The letter, addressed to the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners, comes after the reparations commission presented its final report containing 38 recommendations across five focus areas: criminal justice, economic development, education, health and wellness and housing. The commission is scheduled to present the same recommendations to Asheville City Council on Sept. 9.
“After our initial review, we are deeply concerned that many of the recommendations, if implemented, would violate federal civil rights laws,” Dhillon wrote.
She added that while the recommendations have not been formally adopted, the county has already set aside more than $2.9 million for implementation.
“Public reporting suggests that you intend to do so (adopt these recommendations. My office will be closely monitoring your actions,” Dhillon wrote, adding that federal authorities are prepared to investigate and enforce any violations.
The letter sparked strong reactions on social media, with some critics arguing the reparations program unfairly benefits one racial group over others and could exacerbate divisions in the community.
The Asheville-Buncombe Community Reparations Committee was created to address historical inequities affecting Black residents in the area. County and city officials have not yet commented on how they plan to proceed in light of the DOJ warning.
Statement from the city of Asheville
A letter addressed to the Buncombe County Commission was shared with the City Council on the evening of September 4. Council has not yet formally received the Community Reparations Commission recommendations. That will take place at the Tuesday, September 9 Council meeting. City Council will then consider if any actions will be taken on recommendations that fall within the purview of the City. Our legal team will advise the City Council and staff on the legality of the Commission recommendations, in order to ensure compliance with current law. Because the letter was not addressed to the City of Asheville, nor was any response requested, the City does not anticipate providing one at this time.
Statement from Buncombe County
Funding for reparations was set aside in 2022, 2023, and 2024. Because this year’s budget is focused on storm recovery, no funding for reparations was included in this year’s budget. While the Reparations Commission presented final recommendations and concludes its official work, no additional actions are scheduled on the County’s end at this time.
