Justice Department Drops Hiring Test Lawsuits in Policy Shift

The U.S. Justice Department announced it is dropping suits against hiring tests for police and firefighters alleged to be discriminatory. This move aligns with Trump's administration initiatives to eliminate DEI policies and challenges previous civil rights actions. Cases affected include those in North Carolina and other states.

The U.S. Justice Department has decided to withdraw lawsuits challenging the hiring tests for police officers and firefighters, previously criticized for alleged discrimination.

This action reflects President Donald Trump's broader initiative to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, reversing civil rights measures established during Joe Biden's presidency. Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized that public safety roles should prioritize skill over DEI quotas.

Though the number of retracted cases remains unspecified, senior Justice Department official Chad Mizelle identified North Carolina, Georgia, Maryland, and Indiana as involved locations. Accusations against Durham, NC, highlighted racial disparities in hiring practices. The move is consistent with Trump's recent efforts to curb DEI-focused policies across various sectors.

(With inputs from agencies.)