Justice Department Sues Minneapolis Public schools Over Alleged Discrimination
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The justice Department’s Civil Rights division filed a lawsuit against Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) yesterday, December 10, 2025, alleging discrimination in its employment practices. the lawsuit centers on the school district’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with its teachers’ union, which the Department claims gives preferential treatment to teachers identified as members of “underrepresented populations” adn specifically prioritizes “Black Men Teach fellows” for certain employment benefits.
Allegations of Discrimination
The Department of Justice argues that MPS’s CBA violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, by providing more favorable terms and conditions of employment based on race and sex. Specifically, the complaint alleges that MPS classifies teachers for involuntary reassignment, layoffs, and reinstatement based on their membership in an “underrepresented population.”
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division stated, “Employers may not provide more favorable terms and conditions of employment based on an employee’s race and sex. The Department of Justice will vigorously pursue employers who deny their employees equal opportunities and benefits by classifying and limiting them based on their race, color, national origin, or sex.” Source: Department of Justice
BIPOC Staffing Goals and the “Black Men Teach Fellows” Program
According to the lawsuit, MPS aims to increase its “BIPOC staffing” to at least 40% by 2026 and to have at least 54.3% of new teacher hires identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) by 2026-2027. the complaint further alleges that MPS provides members of the “Black Men Teach Fellows” organization with benefits not available to other teachers.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi commented, “Discrimination is unacceptable in all forms, especially when it comes to hiring decisions. Our public education system in Minnesota and across the country must be a bastion of merit and equal opportunity – not DEI.”
Legal Action and Relief Sought
The lawsuit,filed in the U.S. district Court for the District of Minnesota, seeks a declaration that MPS discriminates against teachers based on race, color, national origin, and sex. The Department of Justice is also requesting a permanent injunction to prevent MPS from implementing similar discriminatory provisions in future CBAs.Source: Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division
The case originated from an investigation conducted by the Employment Litigation Section of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division.
You can view the complaint here.
Key Takeaways:
- The Justice Department is suing Minneapolis Public Schools over alleged discriminatory hiring practices.
- The lawsuit claims the school district prioritizes teachers from “underrepresented populations” and members of the “Black Men Teach Fellows” program.
- MPS has stated goals for increasing BIPOC staffing levels.
- The Department of Justice seeks to halt the implementation of discriminatory provisions in future collective bargaining agreements.