The U.S. Department of Justice has sued the state of Minnesota, accusing the state of giving discriminatory preference to marginalized state employees and prospective hires.
The suit, filed in U.S. District Court of Minnesota, takes aim at the state’s requirement to have affirmative action plans in place and consider diversity goals when making staffing and personnel decisions. Among the policies, the suit specifically cites a Minnesota Department of Human Services directive requiring supervisors to provide a justification when hiring a candidate who is not from a minority group.
“When Minnesota gives preferences to employees or prospective employees because of their race, color, national origin, and sex, it inevitably and necessarily discriminates against other employees or prospective employees because of their race, color, national origin, and sex,” the criminal complaint said.
The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division requested the matter be taken up before a three-judge panel of the court.
A spokesperson for Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said the office will respond to the lawsuit in court.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said the federal lawsuit is the DOJ’s “latest effort to bring Minnesota into compliance with federal law.” Since the start of President Donald Trump’s second term, the administration has brought a series of lawsuits and investigations into a wide range of policies in Minnesota, including sanctuary ordinances, voter rolls and transgender athletes’ participation in sports.
The Justice Department is seeking a permanent injunction that would bar Minnesota from implementing the personnel policies and for equitable relief to any employees who “faced discrimination” as a result.
