DOJ Investigates Chicago Mayor's Racial Hiring Practices

The U.S. Department of Justice has launched an investigation into Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson's hiring practices following his remarks highlighting the number of Black individuals in top positions within his administration. Johnson, who is Black and a Democrat, defended his comments, asserting that hiring Black people does not exclude others and emphasizing the generosity of the community. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon cited potential violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits employment discrimination based on race, and questioned whether such hiring practices extend beyond senior roles. The DOJ's Civil Rights Division is examining whether there is a pattern or practice of discrimination in Chicago's city government, a move that fits within a broader federal focus on civil rights enforcement under the current administration. The investigation, which is not criminal but seeks to determine systemic discrimination, has sparked political debate, with some local officials expressing concern that it could be used as a tool for political targeting. Legal experts have also weighed in on the implications of the investigation for diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in the public sector.