DOJ Launches Investigation into Minnesota’s Hiring Practices

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has initiated an investigation into the state of Minnesota’s hiring practices to assess potential race- and sex-based discrimination. This inquiry marks a significant development in the ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and Governor Tim Walz’s state, following Walz’s unsuccessful 2024 vice presidential campaign. The investigation focuses on whether Minnesota’s employment policies align with federal anti-discrimination laws.

Controversial Hiring Policy Under Scrutiny

Central to the DOJ’s investigation is a new policy introduced by the Minnesota Department of Human Services. This policy mandates that supervisors provide a justification when opting to hire candidates who are not from underrepresented groups for positions where such groups are underrepresented. Failure to comply with this requirement could result in disciplinary actions, including termination. The policy aims to ensure that the state’s workforce reflects its diverse client base and meets affirmative action responsibilities.

Federal Response and Legal Implications

Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized that Minnesotans deserve merit-based hiring, free from illegal diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon of the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division reiterated that federal law prohibits employment discrimination based on race or sex. The DOJ is committed to investigating and addressing any biased hiring practices tied to protected characteristics.

Minnesota’s Defense and Historical Context

The Minnesota Department of Human Services defends its policy, stating it complies with state statutes and aims to increase workforce diversity. The department also noted that justification for non-affirmative action hires has been required by state law since 1987. This investigation follows a recent DOJ complaint challenging Minnesota laws offering tuition benefits to illegal aliens, which the DOJ claims are unconstitutional.

Broader Legal and Political Context

The investigation is part of a broader legal and political context involving Minnesota’s policies and their alignment with federal laws. In April, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration to protect the inclusion of biologically male transgender athletes in girls’ sports. These legal battles highlight ongoing tensions between state policies and federal oversight.