Additional Coverage:
- Mississippi Senate paid Black attorney less than white ones, US Justice Department says (newsbreak.com)
Mississippi Senate Accused of Racial Discrimination in Pay
The U.S. Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against the Mississippi Senate, alleging that a Black attorney, Kristie Metcalfe, was paid significantly less than her white colleagues for the same work.
Metcalfe, who worked for the Senate’s Legislative Services Office from 2011 to 2019, was paid $55,000 upon hiring, while white attorneys earned between $95,550 and $121,800. Despite requesting equal pay, her salary remained lower than that of her least-paid white colleague.
The lawsuit claims that the Senate hired another white attorney in 2018 at a salary $24,335 higher than Metcalfe’s, despite both attorneys having similar experience. Metcalfe raised concerns with then-Sen.
Terry Burton, but her request to equalize her pay was denied. She subsequently resigned.
The Justice Department emphasizes that such discriminatory pay practices are unlawful and violate civil rights protections. The lawsuit seeks to hold the Senate accountable for its actions and ensure fair treatment for all employees.