ALUMS IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Zeola Bardy is a member of C. M. Eppes Class of 1968. 

Black Veterans Project’s Capitol Hill testimony (Feb 24, 2026)

Essential Takeaway

BVP told Congress that systemic racial discrimination in VA benefits has cost Black veterans an estimated $100 billion in lost wealth, and that dismantling VA equity protections is deepening the harm.

Core Points

Historic and Current Inequities

• Black veterans were systematically denied GI Bill access during Jim Crow, blocking homeownership and education.
• White veteran families now hold 32× more wealth than Black veteran families, a gap of $164,000 per household. Congress.gov
• Black veterans remain twice as likely to live in poverty and make up one‑third of homeless veterans. Congress.gov

Evidence of VA Racial Bias

• FOIA data obtained with Yale Law School shows billions in disability benefits wrongfully denied to Black veterans since 2001.
• These findings support Monk v. United States, the first race‑based class action challenging discriminatory VA benefits administration. Congress.gov

Equity Protections Being Dismantled

• The VA’s Office of Equity Assurance was eliminated, halting investigations into racial disparities.
• Anti‑DEI executive orders have created fear and confusion for staff working on equity issues.
• Brookshire warned these moves are being used to justify privatizing VA health care.

Political Efforts to Redefine “Deserving” Veterans

• Certain political forces are attempting to narrow who is considered entitled to earned benefits, threatening minority veterans’ dignity and recognition.
• Approaching the nation’s 250th anniversary, historical erasure adds further harm.

What BVP Asked Congress to Do

• Restore and strengthen VA equity offices.
• Protect data transparency and civil rights enforcement.
• Support reparative justice for Black veterans and families.
• Ensure VA benefits are administered fairly and without racial bias