Conservative Activist Sues Smithsonian Latino Museum Over Alleged 'Pro-Latino Discrimination'

A conservative activist has filed a lawsuit against the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino, claiming that its internship program discriminates in favor of Latinos, violating the Constitution. Edward Blum, known for his involvement in the Supreme Court case on race-conscious college admissions, is leading the legal challenge, arguing that the program's restriction to certain races and ethnicities is unfair and illegal.

Legal Action Against Alleged Discrimination

The lawsuit aims to obtain a temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunction to prevent the museum from closing its application window for the internship program. Filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, this legal action is part of a broader pattern of challenges against diversity, equity, and inclusion programs following a recent Supreme Court decision regarding race-conscious admissions at Harvard University.

Violation of Constitutional Rights

According to the lawsuit, the National Museum of the American Latino's internship program allegedly violates the constitutional guarantee of equal protection under the law by excluding non-Latino individuals from the opportunity. The activist group claims that the program has never hired a non-Latino individual and insists that all students should have the ability to compete for internships without their race being a determining factor.

Program's Aims and Allegations

The Latino Museum Studies Program Undergraduate Internship, as outlined on the program's website, is aimed at providing career pathway opportunities for Latina, Latino, and Latinx-identifying undergraduate students interested in art museum careers. While the program does not explicitly exclude non-Latino students, the lawsuit alleges that the application process requires students to indicate if they consider themselves part of a Latino/Hispanic subgroup, which the lawsuit deems as "pro-Latino discrimination."

Response and Context

The Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino has not responded immediately to requests for comments on the lawsuit. The broader context of the program's establishment stems from efforts to address underrepresentation of Latinos in the museum sector. The museum cites a 2022 Mellon Foundation survey, indicating that only five percent of "key museum positions" are held by Latinos and that a significant majority of certain key roles are filled by White individuals.

Legal and Societal Implications

This legal challenge adds to a series of cases brought forth by the American Alliance for Equal Rights, led by Edward Blum, targeting diversity initiatives in various sectors, including law firms and venture capital funds. As debates on diversity, equity, and inclusion continue, this lawsuit raises fundamental questions about the balance between promoting representation and diversity, and individual rights to equal opportunity.

Closing Statements

The lawsuit against the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino's internship program reflects broader societal debates and legal challenges concerning diversity and inclusion initiatives. As this case unfolds, it will further contribute to the ongoing discourse around the intersection of constitutional rights, equal opportunity, and representation.