Jackson Mississippi Discrimination Lawsuit Update
- Jackson, Mississippi, is moving forward with a lawsuit claiming the state's effort to seize control of Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport is rooted in racial discrimination.
- The legal battle centers on a 2016 law passed by the Mississippi legislature that would replace Jackson's airport authority, which is majority-Black, with a board appointed by state...
- The Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport is a significant economic engine for the region, generating millions in revenue and supporting thousands of jobs.
Jackson, Mississippi, is pressing its fight against the state’s bid to control the jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport, alleging racial discrimination. A federal court has given the green light for jackson to pursue its lawsuit challenging the airport takeover, rejecting the state’s dismissal efforts. The core of this legal battle highlights a 2016 law threatening to replace the city’s majority-Black airport authority control with a state-appointed board. Jackson contends this action violates the equal protection clause.The airport is a critical economic asset, and Jackson is also arguing that the state’s actions are part of a wider pattern intended to undermine the power of Black voters. News Directory 3 keeps you up to date on this continuing story. Discover what’s next in this significant case.
Jackson Challenges Mississippi Airport Takeover in Discrimination Lawsuit
Updated June 08, 2025
Jackson, Mississippi, is moving forward with a lawsuit claiming the state’s effort to seize control of Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport is rooted in racial discrimination. A federal court recently cleared the way for the city to argue its case, rejecting the state’s attempt to dismiss the suit.
The legal battle centers on a 2016 law passed by the Mississippi legislature that would replace Jackson’s airport authority, which is majority-Black, with a board appointed by state officials. Jackson, a city with a majority-Black population, argues this airport takeover infringes upon the equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution.
The Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport is a significant economic engine for the region, generating millions in revenue and supporting thousands of jobs. The city views the airport as a source of community pride, having built and operated it for decades with local taxpayer dollars.
The lawsuit contends that the airport takeover is part of a pattern of Mississippi “reforms” aimed at diminishing the political power of Black voters and elected officials. The city’s legal team will argue that the 2016 law, while seemingly race-neutral, disproportionately impacts Jackson and its Black residents.
Judge Carlton Reeves stated the city alleges injuries from the state’s ”allegedly racist conduct” and noted Jackson has been singled out for treatment to which no othre cities in Mississippi are subject.
What’s next
Jackson is preparing to present its case, arguing that the 2016 airport takeover law constitutes racial discrimination under the equal protection clause, designed to protect Black Americans from discrimination after the Civil War.