Justice Department launches probe of California EPA over alleged diversity-based hiring practices

The U.S. Justice Department (DOJ) has launched an investigation into the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) over accusations of racial equity-based hiring practices.

In a letter dated Wednesday, the DOJ notified the state environmental agency of an investigation into whether it "is engaged in a pattern or practice of discrimination based on race, color, sex, and national origin in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964."

"Our investigation is based on information that CalEPA may be engaged in employment practices that discriminate against employees, job applicants, and training program participants based on race, color, sex, and national origin in violation of Title VII," Harmeet K. Dhillon of the DOJ's Civil Rights Division wrote in the letter...