Underground Railroad museum sues Trump administration alleging it canceled grant on the basis of race

March 22, 2026 - 06:36

The Underground Railroad Education Center has initiated legal action against the Trump administration, claiming a promised federal grant was unjustly terminated on the basis of race. The lawsuit, filed in federal court on Friday, seeks to have the $500,000 grant reinstated.

According to the filing, the museum was initially approved for the funding through the Institute of Museum and Library Services in late 2016 to support a major capital project. The grant was formally awarded and the project commenced. However, the administration allegedly canceled the grant in 2018 without a clear, lawful justification.

The lawsuit contends that the decision was motivated by racial animus, pointing to the administration's documented pattern of hostility toward institutions and programs focused on African American history and social justice. The museum argues the cancellation has caused significant financial harm and impeded its mission to educate the public on the history of the Underground Railroad and the ongoing pursuit of freedom.

Administration officials cited in preliminary reports had previously questioned the project's scope, but the museum asserts it met all federal requirements. The legal challenge now asks the court to compel the government to release the funds, alleging a violation of constitutional equal protection guarantees.