The Department of Justice (DOJ) has opened a broad civil rights investigation into Minnesota’s hiring practices under Gov. Tim Walz’s (D) administration amid allegations the state enforces policies that discriminate against white and male applicants.
The investigation targets a directive issued by the Minnesota Department of Human Services that requires supervisors to justify in writing when they select candidates who are not part of designated “underrepresented” groups.
These groups include females, persons with disabilities and racial minorities such as black, Hispanic, Asian or Pacific Islander and American Indian or Alaskan Native individuals.
Published on June 17 and effective Aug. 12, the policy classifies hires outside these groups as “non-affirmative” and warns that supervisors who do not comply may face disciplinary action, including termination.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon, appointed by President Trump to lead the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, outlined the department’s position on the investigation.
“Federal law has long prohibited employment decisions that are based on race or sex. No state is above that,” Dhillon said.
Since assuming office in 2019, Walz has prioritized diversity and equity across state government.
He established the “One Minnesota Council on Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity,” which he chairs, according to The Daily Caller.
In a February 2019 post on X, Walz emphasized the administration’s commitment: “Diversity, inclusion, and equity are core values of #OneMinnesota.”
This council is tasked with embedding those principles at all levels of government.
In 2021, Walz furthered these efforts by creating the “Governor’s Community Council on Inclusion and Equity,” responsible for implementing diversity policies across state agencies.
Additionally, in 2022, the administration appointed a Chief Equity Officer to oversee these initiatives and ensure the state’s workforce better reflects historically underrepresented communities.
Despite Walz’s stated goals, the DOJ inquiry raises concerns about whether these policies conflict with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits employment discrimination based on race, sex or disability.
Critics argue that by requiring supervisors to justify hiring decisions that do not prioritize protected classes, the policy could unlawfully penalize those who select white or male candidates, even if equally qualified.
The Minnesota investigation follows a similar DOJ probe earlier this year into the City of Chicago’s hiring practices, where officials faced scrutiny over diversity efforts that allegedly prioritized identity over merit, as Resist the Mainstream previously covered.
Legal experts say the Minnesota case could have broad implications for affirmative action policies in public employment nationwide.
If the DOJ finds that Minnesota’s hiring rules violate federal law, the state may face lawsuits and be forced to revise its policies.
Walz’s office has not publicly addressed the investigation.
Meanwhile, the DOJ continues to evaluate whether Minnesota is engaged in a pattern or practice of unlawful discrimination.
The outcome could influence how states implement diversity programs while complying with federal civil rights protections, TDC notes.
This inquiry highlights the tension between efforts to increase workforce diversity and legal constraints designed to prevent discrimination.
As federal authorities examine Minnesota’s approach, other states with similar policies may also come under scrutiny.
The post DOJ Launches Investigation into Minnesota Hiring Policies Under Tim Walz appeared first on Resist the Mainstream.
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Author: Gloriel Howard
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