Second Cir. Tosses Suit Over Covid Grants for Minorities, Women

The head of the US Small Business Administration can’t be sued for damages by restaurant owners alleging the SBA violated their rights by prioritizing women-and minority-owned businesses in administering the American Rescue Plan, a 2021 Covid-19 relief statute, the Second Circuit said.

In a summary order Thursday, Judges Reena A. Raggi, Denny Chin, and Myrna Perez affirmed a lower court decision dismissing the suit against SBA administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, ruling that the case doesn’t present an exception to rules granting immunity to federal officials.

The 10 businesses, comprised of restaurants and bars, said President Joe Biden’s SBA …