DOJ Sues Mississippi Senate for Racial Pay Discrimination

The lawsuit alleges a Black attorney was paid significantly less than her white colleagues over an eight-year period.

Kristie Metcalfe, the first Black attorney hired by the Mississippi State Senate in over 30 years, was paid about half the salary of her white peers.
The Department of Justice claims this pay disparity violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits racial discrimination in compensation.
Despite performing the same duties, Metcalfe's salary remained $40,000 to $60,000 lower than her colleagues throughout her tenure.
Metcalfe's requests for salary adjustments were denied, prompting her resignation in 2019 and a subsequent complaint to the EEOC.
The DOJ seeks back pay, compensatory damages, and an injunction to prevent further discriminatory practices within the Senate.