On Friday, the Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a lawsuit against the Mississippi state Senate, alleging racial discrimination against a former Black staff member. The woman, who had worked as a staff attorney in the Legislative Services Office, was reportedly paid approximately half of what her white colleagues earned.
The DOJ claims the Mississippi state Senate violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits racial discrimination in compensation and other employment practices. “Paying a Black employee less than a white colleague for the same work is not only unjust but illegal,” said Kristen Clarke, assistant attorney general of the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division.
DOJ Pursues Justice Over Alleged Pay Bias Against Black Senate Employee
“This lawsuit sends a strong message that discrimination based on race in pay will not be tolerated,” she continued. “We are committed to addressing race-based pay disparities by ensuring compliance with the law and promoting fairness for all workers.”
Kristie Metcalfe made history in 2011 as the first Black person hired by the Mississippi state Senate in 34 years. However, the DOJ’s complaint asserts that Metcalfe’s starting salary of $55,000 was lower than that of her white counterparts, marking the lowest salary offered in 15 years.
The lawsuit reveals that Metcalfe’s pay was just 60 percent of what the next closest white attorney earned, while the highest salary exceeded $121,000. Even though Metcalfe was tasked with duties comparable to those of her white peers, she was not included in a salary raise given to her colleagues in January 2012.
The lawsuit also points out that another employee with no prior experience was hired for the same position at a starting salary of $101,500. After Metcalfe requested a salary adjustment and was denied, she resigned. The DOJ is seeking back pay, compensatory damages, and other appropriate relief for her.
