The metropolis of Chicago has discovered itself in the course of a political scandal after the Division of Justice introduced a brand new investigation into the town’s mayor. Brandon Johnson has served as Chicago’s mayor for nearly two years, and now, his job is in jeopardy after one interview caught the eye of the federal authorities.
On Monday (Might 19), a proper letter was despatched to Johnson’s workplace from the U.S. Division of Justice (DOJ). Assistant Legal professional Normal Harmeet Dhillon introduced plans “to find out whether or not the Metropolis of Chicago, Illinois, is engaged in a sample or observe of discrimination primarily based on race,” in accordance with the letter, which plainly accused the mayor of violating the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
This comes after Johnson’s Sunday (Might 18) look at Apostolic Church of God in Chicago. Throughout which, the mayor revealed his technique behind hiring individuals in his administration. The present deputy mayor, chief operations officer, funds director and several other different excessive rating staff within the mayor’s workplace are Black… and that’s not by coincidence.
Since Johnson stepped into workplace in 2023, he’s been decided to get Black people in crucial management positions. “Two administrations in the past, 70 to 75 p.c of the administration was primarily made up of white males,” Johnson informed churchgoers. “Forty-five p.c of my administration is Black; 25 p.c is Latinx; 30 p.c is white; 8 p.c is Asian.”
The mayor went on to say, “Having individuals in my administration that may look out for the curiosity of everybody… means it’s a must to look out for the pursuits of Black people, as a result of that hasn’t occurred.” He continued, “That’s how we guarantee long-term sustainable development.”
Clearly, Johnson ruffled some feathers along with his Sunday remarks, as a result of simply in the future after the service, Johnson was within the MAGA scorching seat. The DOJ’s letter continued saying, “If these form of hiring choices are being made for top-level positions in your administration, then it begs the query whether or not such choices are additionally being made for lower-level positions.”
That is simply the most recent transfer by the Trump administration to expel variety, fairness and inclusion (DEI) throughout the board. President Donald Trump signed an govt order in January banning DEI practices on the federal degree. In accordance with the DOJ — ran by MAGA champion Legal professional Normal Pamela Bondi — Johnson is violating this order.
In response to the federal probe, Mayor Johnson spoke to the media on Tuesday (Might 20). “What’s clear is that not solely does the Trump administration not respect the rule of legislation or what’s wise about our society, you’ll be hard-pressed to search out certified people who’re in his administration,” Johnson mentioned, in accordance with ABC Information. “As my administration displays the nation— displays the town, his [Trump’s] administration displays the nation membership.”
He continued, “It’s additionally clear that this administration is extra curious about creating division inside our nation. Whereas we’re being inclusive, [we are] happy with the truth that now we have people which have authorized backgrounds, operational backgrounds, training backgrounds.”
Consultants informed CBS Information political appointments don’t fall beneath Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, contradicting the DOJ’s accusations in opposition to Mayor Johnson. Carolyn Shapiro, professor legislation at College of Chicago Kent Faculty of Legislation, mentioned, “They’d not be staff beneath Title VII, so even when it had been true that he was going out of his strategy to rent individuals of a selected race, that may not violate the legislation.”