DOJ opens investigation into city of Austin over 'race-based employment practices'

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Department of Justice announced Thursday that it is opening an investigation into the city of Austin over hiring and employment practices, pointing to the city's Office of Equity and Inclusion.

"Specifically, the City of Austin's Office of Equity and Inclusion, Equity Division expresses that it 'works across all City departments … to build capacity and leadership in working from a racial equity lens,' and promotes a plan for how the City can 'work using a racial equity lens.'"

“The City is aware of the U.S. Department of Justice’s decision to open an investigation into the City of Austin’s compliance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.  We are confident that the City is in full compliance with the law," a city spokesperson said.

The DOJ pointed to specific language from the department including:

• "For managers, delineate clear racial equity expectations regarding hiring, incentivizing use of best practices within hiring processes to minimize bias, and incorporate equity throughout all phases of hiring processes."
• "Apply stronger racial equity criteria to the design and execution of executive-level searches as a part of an overall review of hiring and HR practices."
• "Racial equity tools … designed to integrate explicit consideration of racial equity in decisions, including policies, practices, programs and budgets."

“The Department of Justice will not tolerate discriminatory race-based employment practices and DEI policies, in Austin or other cities,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Such practices are illegal and un-American, and we will vigorously protect equal opportunity and hold accountable those who seek to perpetuate vestiges of outlawed discrimination.”

“I feel strongly that the City of Austin is in full compliance with the law. Our employment practices assure highly qualified public servants, who care deeply about our entire community and bring their unique characteristics to the jobs they do. They make Austin a better place to live," Austin Mayor Kirk Watson responded.