Landscape Consultants of Texas, Inc. et al v. City of Houston, Texas et al | Advancing DEI Initiative

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GLOSSARY

The definitions in our glossary are primarily sourced from Nolo’s Plain-English Law Dictionary and Cornell Law School’s Legal Information Institute. We have made slight modifications where needed for brevity and to better tailor the definitions to the specific needs of users of this website. For more detailed explanations of the terms, users are encouraged to review the definitions on these websites or conduct their own independent research.

A written request made after a trial court’s final ruling, asking another court to review the trial court's decisions. Appellate courts typically decide whether a legal mistake was made and whether the mistake changed the outcome of the case.

An out-of-court procedure for resolving disputes in which one or more people, “arbitrator(s),” hear evidence and make a decision. It's like a trial in some ways, but typically proceeds more quickly and with less formality.

A lawsuit in which a large number of people with similar legal claims join together (the class) to sue. In this context, it likely refers to cases in which a group of people claim they have suffered discrimination at the hands of an organization.

A document filed in court that starts a lawsuit. In some states and in some types of legal actions, the complaint is called a petition.

When an employee quits a job because working conditions are so intolerable that a reasonable person in the same situation would quit.

the money awarded to one party because of an injury or loss caused by another party.

The person or entity against whom a civil case is filed.

Working conditions that are created when unwelcome, discriminatory conduct that is so severe or pervasive that it alters the conditions of a person's employment and creates an abusive working environment.

A court order requiring a person to do or stop doing a specific action.

Harm done to a person or organization by the acts or omissions of another. Injury may be physical or may involve damage to reputation, loss of a legal right, or breach of a contract.

An appeal that occurs before the trial court's final ruling on an entire case.

Any party to a lawsuit. This might include a plaintiff, defendant, petitioner, respondent, cross-complainant, or cross-defendant, but not a witness or attorney.

The process of bringing and pursuing (litigating) a lawsuit.

A formal request, either written or oral, that a judge enter a particular order or ruling in a lawsuit.

A motion asking the judge to throw out one or more claims or an entire lawsuit.

These phrases refer to a case whose decision rests upon the law as it applied to the particular evidence and facts presented. This is in opposition to cases whose decisions rest upon procedural grounds (e.g. not filing a timely complaint).

The person, corporation, or other legal entity that initiates a lawsuit seeking damages, enforcement of a contract, or a court determination of rights. In certain states and for some types of lawsuits, the term petitioner is used instead.

Any legal document filed in a lawsuit, including the complaint, answer, and motion(s). The pleading stage gives notice to both parties of the intention of the opposing party regarding the lawsuit.

An opinion of a federal or state court of appeals establishing a legal principle or rule that must be followed by lower courts when faced with similar legal issues.

A court order early in a lawsuit that prohibits the parties from taking a disputed action until the court can decide the merits of the case.

A document that public companies must provide their shareholders prior to a shareholder meeting. The document summarizes proposals submitted to shareholders for a vote.

Punishment of an employee by an employer for engaging in legally protected activity like making a complaint of harassment or participating in workplace investigations. It can include any negative job action, such as demotion, discipline, or firing.

A legal rule under which the federal and state governments are immune from being sued in their own courts without their consent. When it applies, it's an impenetrable defense to a claim for damages.

A person's right to sue and have a court rule on their claims. To invoke a federal court's jurisdiction and have the court exercise its remedial powers on their behalf, a person must have standing.

A court order that suspends or stops certain proceedings.

A final decision by a judge, upon a party's motion, that resolves a lawsuit before there is a trial.

CASE NAME

Landscape Consultants of Texas, Inc. et al v. City of Houston, Texas et al

Overview

Plaintiffs challenge the city of Houston's contracting program, alleging that the city gives “preference” to minority-owned businesses.

Details

Defendant City of Houston filed a , arguing that Co-Defendant Midtown Management District (MMD) is separate from the city and that Plaintiffs have failed to state a claim against the city.

MMD also filed a motion to dismiss arguing, among other things, that Plaintiffs failed to bid on a district contract so any claim of harm by the program was speculative.

On May 28, 2024, Plaintiffs filed a motion for , arguing that the court should rule in their favor based on facts showing the program was discriminatory and violated the Equal Protection Clause. The court denied this request. On November 29, 2024, Plaintiffs filed a second motion for , and on November 29 and 30, 2024, Defendants filed their own for summary judgment, claiming Plaintiffs lacked because they did not bid on a contract and were not harmed and that the facts did not support claims that the program was discriminatory or unconstitutional.

In February 2025, the court denied all three outstanding motions for summary judgment and ruled that a trial will be held to establish facts and decide the outcome of the case.

On May 23, 2025 Defendant City of Houston filed a motion to dismiss, arguing that the case is moot since the city enacted an ordinance that replaced the program Plaintiffs challenge in this case. Plaintiffs opposed this motion by asserting that the ordinance is also unconstitutional because it continues to racially discriminate and only replaces the prior program in name but not function.

On July 1, 2025, the court denied Defendant's motion to dismiss for lack of jurisdiction.

Court

U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas

Status

Filed September 19, 2023 | Ongoing

Relevant Law

Equal Protection Clause Section 1981 Section 1983

Topic

Government programs