Chicago Faces Federal Scrutiny Over Hiring Practices Following Black Hiring Push

The U.S. Department of Justice has initiated a civil rights inquiry into Chicago's hiring practices, following a letter sent to the mayor's office shared widely on social media. This announcement came on Monday, a day after Mayor Brandon Johnson articulated his vision for his administration during a church address, where he highlighted the representation of Black individuals in leadership roles. His remarks sparked immediate social media backlash, particularly from conservative circles demanding scrutiny. The DOJ's Civil Rights Division is investigating potential violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act regarding racial discrimination. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon noted the inquiry will explore whether discriminatory patterns exist beyond just high-level positions. Despite criticism, Johnson remains steadfast, asserting his commitment to diversity in Chicago’s workforce while dismissing the investigation as a "divisive tactic."