The Obama Presidential Center, once hailed as a beacon of progress, now faces a $40 million racial discrimination lawsuit and mounting community backlash.
Key Takeaways
- Chicago subcontractor II in One files a $40 million lawsuit against Thornton Tomasetti, alleging racial discrimination in Obama Center construction.
- Project costs have ballooned from $500 million to $800 million, partly due to extensive environmental and social justice audits.
- Unlike traditional presidential libraries, the center will not house a presidential archive or be overseen by the National Archives.
- A local community voices concerns over potential gentrification and environmental impact.
- The center faces criticism for its expansive design and increased financial demands.
Racial Discrimination Lawsuit Rocks Obama Center
In a shocking turn of events, the Obama Presidential Center has been hit with a $40 million racial discrimination lawsuit. Chicago-based subcontractor II in One has filed the suit against engineering firm Thornton Tomasetti, alleging unfair treatment during the construction process. Robert McGee, owner of II in One, claims that Thornton Tomasetti imposed unnecessary standards and inspections, resulting in significant financial losses for his company.
The lawsuit alleges that Thornton Tomasetti’s actions were “excessively rigorous and unnecessary,” and “directly undermined the Obama Foundation’s DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) goals and commitments and mission to bring transformative change to the construction industry and local community.” This legal battle has cast a shadow over a project that was meant to symbolize progress and inclusivity.
Spiraling Costs and Design Controversies
The racial discrimination lawsuit is just one of many challenges facing the Obama Presidential Center. The project’s costs have skyrocketed from an initial estimate of $500 million to a staggering $800 million. This dramatic increase is partly attributed to the center’s adherence to strict gender and racial quotas, as well as ambitious environmental goals.
“If the Foundation believed that any vendor was acting with a racist intent, we would immediately take appropriate action,” stated Emily Bittner, a spokesperson for the Obama Foundation. She added, “We have no reason to believe that Thornton Tomasetti acted with racist intent.”
The center’s design has also come under scrutiny. Unlike traditional presidential libraries, the Obama Presidential Center will not house a presidential archive or be overseen by the National Archives and Records Administration. Instead, the complex will feature a museum, fitness center, recording studio, playground, teaching kitchen, and even a sledding hill. This departure from convention has raised eyebrows and sparked debate about the true purpose of the center.
Obama Center subcontractor alleges racial discrimination in lawsuit https://t.co/1kOjcVr2BV
— Crain's Chicago Business (@CrainsChicago) January 31, 2025
Community Concerns and Environmental Impact
As the Obama Presidential Center continues to face challenges, local community members have voiced concerns about its potential impact on the neighborhood. Fears of gentrification and rising housing prices have led to opposition from some residents. Additionally, environmental groups have raised alarms about the center’s impact on the surrounding parkland.
Despite these setbacks, the Obama Foundation remains optimistic about the center’s potential to bring positive change to Chicago’s South Side. The foundation emphasizes the project’s commitment to creating jobs and stimulating economic growth in the area. However, with the ongoing lawsuit and mounting controversies, the road ahead for the Obama Presidential Center appears fraught with challenges.
Sources:
- The Dean of UCLA Medical School Says It Does Not Discriminate Based on Race. His Own Research Center Runs a Minorities-Only Fellowship.
- Obama Center subcontractor files $40M discrimination lawsuit against engineering firm for overruns
- Obama’s $800M Presidential Center Slapped With DEI Lawsuit
