The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has launched a civil rights investigation into the hiring practices of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. The inquiry was triggered by remarks the mayor made during a speech at the Apostolic Church of God, where he emphasized the number of Black officials in his administration—including two Black women as deputy mayors and a Black man as chief operations officer.
Critics argue that the comments suggest a pattern of race-based hiring, potentially violating federal civil rights laws. The DOJ’s Civil Rights Division is now investigating whether these practices unlawfully discriminated against candidates based on race.
Mayor Johnson’s office confirmed receipt of the DOJ’s letter and is currently reviewing it. This comes amid broader federal scrutiny of Chicago, including past investigations into the city’s sanctuary policies and cooperation with immigration enforcement.
The outcome of this probe could impact hiring policies not only in Chicago but also in other cities navigating diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within the bounds of federal law.
According to ABC News, Johnson’s office released a statement on Monday afternoon, saying, “Mayor Johnson is proud to have the most diverse administration in the history of our city. Our administration reflects the diversity and values of Chicago. Unfortunately, the current federal administration does not reflect either. We are aware of the letter issued by the Department of Justice, but are awaiting the official receipt of the letter. Our Corporation Counsel will review it at that time.”
