DOJ Accuses Minneapolis Schools of Racial Discrimination in Hiring

On Tuesday, the Department of Justice (DOJ) alleged that Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) is engaging in racially biased hiring practices. According to the DOJ, MPS has collective bargaining agreements with teachers’ unions that favor “underrepresented” teachers, and also provide additional benefits to members of an external group called Black Men Teach—benefits not available to white or female teachers.

Attorney General Pam Bondi stated, “Discrimination in all its forms is unacceptable, especially when it comes to employment decisions.” She emphasized that the public education system should be a place of merit and equal opportunity, not just focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

MPS has also expressed intentions to raise the percentage of BIPOC staff—referring to Black, Indigenous, and people of color—to “at least 40% by 2026.” Interestingly, plans for layoffs and involuntary reassignments are said to take race into account.

The DOJ is seeking a court ruling to declare MPS’s employment practices as violations of civil rights laws and is pushing for a permanent injunction against these practices.

The complaint states that this preferential treatment is not just unfair but illegal. It argues that while the district claims to aim for non-discrimination, it effectively requires discrimination based on race, color, sex, and national origin.

As of now, MPS has not responded to requests for comment regarding the allegations.