Trump sues Minneapolis schools over race based hiring rules that shield Black teachers from layoffs

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump's Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against the Minneapolis public school district on Wednesday, December 10, accusing it of being a "bastion of DEI" by giving black teachers priority in hiring and protection from layoffs.

This comes amid the administration's scrutiny of Minnesota over claims that Somali-American fraudsters exploited the state's welfare system.

Attorney General Pam Bondi said the teachers' union favors "underrepresented population" members for "certain employment benefits, terms and conditions."

"Discrimination is unacceptable in all forms, especially when it comes to hiring decisions. Our public education system in Minnesota and across the country must be a bastion of merit and equal opportunity - not DEI," Bondi said.

Lawsuit details goals for minority hires

The complaint states the district aims to boost minority staffing to around 40 percent by 2026, with all new hires at least 54.3 percent minority.

The DOJ claims the district and teachers' collective bargaining agreement classifies teachers by race for layoffs, reinstatement, and transfers.

MPS is also accused of extending similar benefits to the "Black Men Teach Fellows" program.

"Employers may not provide more favorable terms and conditions of employment based on an employee's race and sex," said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K Dhillon of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division. "The Department of Justice will vigorously pursue employers who deny their employees equal opportunities and benefits by classifying and limiting them based on their race, color, national origin, or sex."

The DOJ seeks a permanent injunction barring such provisions from the CBA.

Ties to broader Minnesota fraud probe

This is the latest federal move against liberal-leaning Minnesota after claims Somali-American fraudsters drained welfare funds and funneled money to Islamist groups.

Prosecutors say $300 million was stolen from one federal meals program, with the total possibly exceeding $1 billion across schemes.

More than 50 fraudsters have been convicted and dozens of more cases are pending. Court filings show stolen funds went to Somalia or were used to buy properties in East Africa.

The scandal has brought the spotlight to Minnesota's large Somali diaspora and drawn criticism of Democratic Gov. Tim Walz for ignoring warnings as public funds disappeared.

Research conducted by City Journal found "untold millions" of public funds went through hawala networks to Somalia, calling the Minnesota taxpayer the "largest funder of Al-Shabaab."

Treasury opens probe into terror links

On December 1, the US Treasury Department launched an investigation into whether taxpayer dollars reached terrorists.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he is examining whether funds were diverted to al-Shabaab "under the feckless mismanagement of the Biden Administration and Governor Tim Walz."

The next day, President Trump called Somali immigrants "garbage" who "ripped off" the state. "When they come from hell and they complain and do nothing but b****, we don't want them in our country," Trump said. "Let them go back to where they came from and fix it."

Rep. Ilhan Omar, the Somali-born Democrat representing Minneapolis, accused Trump of xenophobia and said her community was being smeared.