DES MOINES, Iowa —

Des Moines Public Schools is under investigation by the Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division regarding the district's employment practices.

In a letter to the district dated Sept. 30, 2025, the Department of Justice says it is basing the investigation on "information that DMPS may be engaged in employment practices that discriminate against employees, job applicants, and training program participants based on race, color, and national origin in violation of Title VII."

In a news release, the DOJ mentioned "quotas" implemented by DMPS in an affirmative action plan.

"DEI initiatives and race-based hiring preferences in our schools violate federal anti-discrimination laws and undermine educational priorities," Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon said

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