Is your mail at risk? Supreme Court to review USPS over delivery discrimination claims
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For most Americans, checking the mailbox is a simple part of the day—one that connects us to birthday cards, utility bills, and in many cases, life-saving medications.
But what happens when that connection suddenly breaks down?
One Texas woman says that's exactly what happened to her tenants, and now her case is headed to the Supreme Court.
At the heart of the matter is whether the US Postal Service should be held accountable when mail delivery isn’t just delayed—but allegedly denied altogether.
The Supreme Court is preparing to take on a case that could redefine how the USPS operates—and how much responsibility it bears.
The case stems from a complaint brought by Lebene Konana, a landlord in Euless, Texas, who claims her tenants were denied mail delivery because of racial discrimination.
According to Konana, two USPS employees refused to deliver mail to her rental property after learning that she, a Black woman, was renting to white tenants.
Some residents reportedly had to move out just to receive their mail without interruption.
After submitting more than 50 complaints to USPS without resolution, Konana turned to the courts.
Her lawsuit was initially dismissed due to longstanding legal protections that shield the Postal Service from most mail-related claims.
Those protections date back to the Federal Tort Claims Act of 1946, which generally prevents people from suing the government over the actions of federal employees.
Mail-related issues are almost always included in that immunity—unless the conduct in question is considered deliberate misconduct.
In a twist, the 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans sided with Konana.
The court ruled that if mail carriers intentionally refuse to deliver mail, that falls outside the scope of USPS’s legal immunity.
However, this ruling is at odds with other federal appeals courts, which have interpreted the law more broadly.
The conflicting decisions now put the issue squarely in the hands of the Supreme Court.
The Justice Department has voiced concern that ruling in Konana’s favor could open the floodgates for lawsuits over every USPS delay or delivery issue—something it says could burden the postal system and affect operations.
But Konana’s legal team argues this isn’t about a routine delivery mistake—it’s about alleged discrimination and abuse of power, and the right to seek justice when mail service is intentionally withheld.
The US Postal Service handles more than 300 million pieces of mail every day, serving as a lifeline for many—especially those who rely on delivered prescriptions, government checks, or important documents.
Still, it’s not without its problems.
In recent years, the USPS has faced complaints about delayed packages, tracking outages, and other service issues.
This case adds another layer to the debate, raising questions about accountability and the balance between operational efficiency and fair treatment.
While we wait for the Supreme Court’s decision, here are a few things you can do to stay informed and proactive:
Here at The GrayVine, we understand just how important reliable mail delivery is to our readers.
Whether it’s receiving a prescription on time or staying connected with loved ones, the mail matters.
That’s why this case is worth watching—not just for legal experts, but for all of us who count on the USPS.
Read next: Scammers are posing as USPS—here’s how to spot the warning signs
We also encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments. Have you had issues with mail delivery? Have you ever felt that something more than a simple delay was at play? Let’s start the conversation and help each other stay informed.
But what happens when that connection suddenly breaks down?
One Texas woman says that's exactly what happened to her tenants, and now her case is headed to the Supreme Court.
At the heart of the matter is whether the US Postal Service should be held accountable when mail delivery isn’t just delayed—but allegedly denied altogether.
The Supreme Court is preparing to take on a case that could redefine how the USPS operates—and how much responsibility it bears.
The case stems from a complaint brought by Lebene Konana, a landlord in Euless, Texas, who claims her tenants were denied mail delivery because of racial discrimination.
A landmark Supreme Court case could reshape how the USPS is held accountable for mail delivery issues. Image Source: Pexels / Ekaterina Belinskaya.
According to Konana, two USPS employees refused to deliver mail to her rental property after learning that she, a Black woman, was renting to white tenants.
Some residents reportedly had to move out just to receive their mail without interruption.
After submitting more than 50 complaints to USPS without resolution, Konana turned to the courts.
Her lawsuit was initially dismissed due to longstanding legal protections that shield the Postal Service from most mail-related claims.
A legal shield—and a possible exception
Those protections date back to the Federal Tort Claims Act of 1946, which generally prevents people from suing the government over the actions of federal employees.
Mail-related issues are almost always included in that immunity—unless the conduct in question is considered deliberate misconduct.
In a twist, the 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans sided with Konana.
The court ruled that if mail carriers intentionally refuse to deliver mail, that falls outside the scope of USPS’s legal immunity.
However, this ruling is at odds with other federal appeals courts, which have interpreted the law more broadly.
The conflicting decisions now put the issue squarely in the hands of the Supreme Court.
Also read: Think twice before opening that package—USPS flags major privacy risk
What’s at stake?
The Justice Department has voiced concern that ruling in Konana’s favor could open the floodgates for lawsuits over every USPS delay or delivery issue—something it says could burden the postal system and affect operations.
But Konana’s legal team argues this isn’t about a routine delivery mistake—it’s about alleged discrimination and abuse of power, and the right to seek justice when mail service is intentionally withheld.
Also read: USPS is rolling out major updates and customers are being urged to prepare
The USPS: public service and public scrutiny
The US Postal Service handles more than 300 million pieces of mail every day, serving as a lifeline for many—especially those who rely on delivered prescriptions, government checks, or important documents.
Still, it’s not without its problems.
In recent years, the USPS has faced complaints about delayed packages, tracking outages, and other service issues.
This case adds another layer to the debate, raising questions about accountability and the balance between operational efficiency and fair treatment.
Also read: “When will it arrive!?” USPS’ shipping nightmare that has customers on edge
What you can do
While we wait for the Supreme Court’s decision, here are a few things you can do to stay informed and proactive:
- Track your mail regularly, especially if you’re expecting time-sensitive items like medications or legal notices.
- Report delivery issues to USPS and request follow-ups if you don’t get a response.
- Talk with neighbors if you’re experiencing problems—shared experiences can help bring attention to recurring issues in your area.
Here at The GrayVine, we understand just how important reliable mail delivery is to our readers.
Whether it’s receiving a prescription on time or staying connected with loved ones, the mail matters.
That’s why this case is worth watching—not just for legal experts, but for all of us who count on the USPS.
Read next: Scammers are posing as USPS—here’s how to spot the warning signs
We also encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments. Have you had issues with mail delivery? Have you ever felt that something more than a simple delay was at play? Let’s start the conversation and help each other stay informed.
