DOJ launches investigation into blue state city over alleged race-based hiring
Context:
The U.S. Department of Justice has initiated an investigation into the City of Chicago over allegations of race-based hiring practices, potentially violating the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This probe follows comments made by Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, who emphasized the number of Black officials in his administration during a speech at the Apostolic Church of God. Harmeet K. Dhillon, assistant attorney general for the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, has communicated to Mayor Johnson that the investigation is based on indications of hiring decisions being made on racial grounds. Johnson defended his hiring practices by asserting that employing 'our people' benefits the broader community. The investigation aims to determine if these practices extend to lower-level positions, with no conclusions yet drawn and cooperation from the mayor's office being sought by the DOJ.
Dive Deeper:
The DOJ's investigation into Chicago's hiring practices stems from allegations of racial discrimination following remarks by Mayor Brandon Johnson, who highlighted Black officials in his administration.
Johnson's comments, made during a speech at the Apostolic Church of God, prompted the DOJ to investigate potential violations of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by emphasizing race in hiring decisions.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon has notified Mayor Johnson of the investigation, citing concerns that hiring decisions may be based solely on race, which would breach federal civil rights laws.
Mayor Johnson defended his administration's hiring practices by stating that hiring Black officials helps the entire community, claiming that these practices are generous and inclusive.
The DOJ aims to determine whether discriminatory hiring practices are a broader pattern within Chicago's administration, extending beyond high-level appointments to lower-level positions.
No conclusions have been reached regarding the investigation, and the DOJ has requested assistance from Mayor Johnson's office to further explore these allegations.
Mayor Johnson, who has previously made race-based comments, has not responded to requests for comment from Fox News Digital regarding the ongoing investigation.