Overview

• The DOJ Civil Rights Division is examining whether Des Moines Public Schools discriminated against employees, applicants, and training participants in violation of Title VII.
• In a letter to interim superintendent Matthew Smith, the department pointed to a 2021 initiative that set recruitment goals to increase K–5 teachers of color, referencing quotas in an affirmative action plan.
• Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon said DEI initiatives and race-based hiring preferences violate federal law and called for merit-based employment practices.
• The district confirmed it received the letter, said it is reviewing the inquiry, and plans to respond to the department.
• The announcement follows the arrest of superintendent Ian Roberts by immigration authorities and his resignation, and the DOJ made no reference to him in the probe notice.