Justice Department Sues Mississippi Senate for Discrimination

The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against the Mississippi State Senate, alleging that Kristie Metcalfe, the only Black attorney in the Senate's Legislative Services Office during her tenure, was paid significantly less than her white colleagues. Metcalfe's starting salary of $55,000 was the lowest in over 15 years, while her white counterparts earned between $95,550 and $121,800. The lawsuit claims this pay disparity continued throughout her eight years of employment, with Metcalfe earning between $40,000 to $60,000 less than the lowest-paid white attorney. Despite her complaints regarding the pay gap, her request for equitable compensation was denied, leading to her resignation. The DOJ emphasizes that such discriminatory practices are unlawful under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The Mississippi Senate has yet to comment on the pending litigation.