A class action lawsuit has been filed against the state alleging racial discrimination in its hiring practices. The suit was filed in Polk County District Court and claims the state of Iowa engaged in racial discrimination and retaliation to deny black people jobs and promotions. It alleges the state's practices are designed to limit the number of blacks in state jobs to the minimum required by affirmative action plans.
The class action claims Iowa knowingly violated its own affirmative action policies through such practices as a pre-employment test that was statistically proven to reduce the number of black applicants. It seeks unspecified damages, including back pay, benefits, and payment for loss of opportunity.
