Minneapolis, Minnesota — The U.S. Department of Justice on Wednesday filed a federal lawsuit against Minnesota, alleging the state’s affirmative action hiring policies unlawfully discriminate based on race and sex in violation of federal civil rights law.
The complaint, filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, argues that Minnesota’s personnel policies improperly incorporate race, color, national origin, and sex as employment considerations. The DOJ is seeking a permanent injunction, equitable relief, and compensation for employees and job applicants it says were harmed by the policies. The Civil Rights Division also requested that the case be heard by a three-judge panel.
Attorney General Pam Bondi said the lawsuit is part of a broader effort to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion practices the Trump administration views as discriminatory. The complaint cites internal state directives that allegedly require supervisors to justify hiring decisions when non-minority candidates are selected, framing the process as a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Minnesota officials pushed back, saying the lawsuit escalates an already tense standoff between the state and the federal government. The dispute comes amid heightened friction following a recent immigration enforcement surge and the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE officer in Minneapolis. The state has separately sued the administration over federal immigration actions.
The Hill reported that Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison had not yet formally responded to the DOJ filing, though he has accused federal officials of overreach. The lawsuit follows similar DOJ actions aimed at rolling back DEI policies nationwide after the Supreme Court struck down affirmative action in higher education.
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