DOJ Sues Mississippi Senate Over Pay Discrimination

The U.S. Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against the Mississippi Senate, alleging that it discriminated against Kristie Metcalfe, a Black former attorney in the Legislative Services Office, by paying her significantly less than her white colleagues. The lawsuit claims that Metcalfe's starting salary of $55,000 was drastically lower than her counterparts, who earned between $95,550 and $121,800, violating Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke emphasized that such discriminatory practices are unlawful and will not be tolerated. Throughout her eight-year tenure, Metcalfe was the only Black attorney in the office, and the pay disparity persisted despite her similar job responsibilities. The DOJ seeks back pay, compensatory damages, and injunctive relief to address these alleged violations. The case highlights ongoing issues of racial pay discrimination in the workplace.