PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has launched an investigation to determine if Rhode Island’s employment practices violate the Civil Rights Act.
In a letter sent Wednesday to Attorney General Peter Neronha, the DOJ said it is investigating whether the state is “engaged in a pattern or practice of discrimination” in violation of Section 707 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended.
The letter, first reported by the Rhode Island Public’s Radio, said the probe is based on information suggesting Rhode Island’s affirmative action program for state government employment may discriminate based on race, national origin, or other protected characteristics…