Kalman Yeger Warns of Lawsuits Over “Social Justice” Ballot Measures

NEW YORK (Yaakov M / VINnews) — Brooklyn Councilman Kalman Yeger says that two ballot propositions to ensure racial equity which passed on Election Day could be a magnet for lawsuits against the city.

One amendment to the city charter includes a mission statement “to promote justice and equity for all New Yorkers.”

Another creates a taxpayer-funded “Office of Racial Equity and Commission”.

That office was originally dreamed up by the Racial Justice Commission, which was founded by Bill de Blasio and is led by civil rights lawyer Jennifer Jones Austin, vice chair of Al Sharpton’s National Action Network.

“Where there’s always a lawyer looking to make a buck, this will bring lawsuits,” Councilman Yeger told the NY Post.

“Regardless of the intent of the language, there will always be someone who looks at the city for a cash payout and will use the language of this amendment to force the city to act against [its] best interests.”

Mayor Eric Adams praised the proposals which codified new racial justice provisions to New York City’s charter.

“Equity and justice go hand in hand and are key to building a prosperous city that serves all New Yorkers,” said Adams in a statement. “New Yorkers have placed racial equity at the heart of our city’s government.”

The two measures were initially created by de Blasio’s last charter revision commission.

Civil rights attorney Norman Siegel told the Post that he doubts the new provisions would bring about lawsuits, since there are multiple civil rights laws already on the books.

His argument is puzzling, though, because if the rights being protected by these proposals are already protected, there would be no purpose in passing these referendums in the first place.

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