Overview

• The DOJ Civil Rights Division announced an investigation Thursday into whether Austin’s hiring and employment practices violate federal anti-discrimination laws.
• The inquiry cites equity guidance stating the Office of Equity and Inclusion works across departments using a racial equity lens.
• Investigators pointed to directives urging managers to set clear racial equity expectations in hiring and to embed equity throughout hiring phases to minimize bias.
• The review highlights recommendations to apply stronger racial equity criteria in executive-level searches and to use racial equity tools across policies, programs, and budgets.
• Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon said the Department will not tolerate discriminatory race-based employment practices, and local reporters said they have requested comment from the city.