The Trump Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against Minneapolis Public Schools claiming that their hiring practices run afoul of laws barring discrimination.
Specifically, they cite the current Collective Bargaining Agreement with teachers that puts a priority on hiring members of underrepresented minority populations.
“Discrimination is unacceptable in all forms, especially when it comes to hiring decisions,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Our public education system in Minnesota and across the country must be a bastion of merit and equal opportunity — not DEI.”
The suit also highlights the "Black Men Teach Fellows" program that it says singles out certain employment benefits, terms and conditions that are not available to female or non-Black teachers.
“Employers may not provide more favorable terms and conditions of employment based on an employee’s race and sex,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Department of Justice will vigorously pursue employers who deny their employees equal opportunities and benefits by classifying and limiting them based on their race, color, national origin, or sex.”
Minneapolis Public Schools have made hiring BIPOC individuals a priority, saying they are a better representation of the communities they serve.
The Trump Justice Department is asking the courts to rule those efforts discriminatory.