Minnesota Suspends Race-Based Grant Program Amid DOJ Review

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has decided to suspend its race-based grant program after the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced it was conducting a civil rights compliance review. This was revealed in a statement issued by the DOJ on Tuesday.

The Department of Justice described the Capacity Building Initiative as a grant program focused on organizations that serve “people of color.” It also provided consideration and prioritization for proposals from “people-led” organizations. Additionally, the DOJ claimed there was an increased emphasis on grants aimed at “black or African American” and “nonwhite Latino” communities.

In the broader context, the DOJ is also investigating institutions like the University of California, Los Angeles, for potentially unlawful Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) admission practices.

According to Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon, this kind of strict race-based language violates civil rights laws. She explained, “Recipients of federal funds cannot determine who will benefit from those funds based on race, color, or national origin.” Dhillon expressed gratitude that Minnesota has recognized this essential principle and moved to repeal the statute governing the program.

MDH’s retreat from the grant program follows the DOJ’s review under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. This legislation forbids federal financial assistance recipients, including MDH, from engaging in any form of discrimination rooted in race, color, or national origin.

Fox News Digital has reached out to both the Department of Justice and MDH for additional comments and confirmation regarding this development.