The Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a lawsuit against the Mississippi Senate, claiming it systematically discriminated against Kristie Metcalfe, a Black attorney, by paying her "significantly less" than her white colleagues. This action, according to the DOJ, breaches the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
In their suit, the DOJ alleges that the Senate's Legal Services Office paid Metcalfe about half the salary of her white peers despite her performing equivalent work. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the DOJ's Civil Rights Division stated, "Discriminatory employment practices, like paying a Black employee less than their white colleagues for the same work, are not only unfair, they are unlawful." She reinforced that this suit aims to combat such race-based pay discrepancies in the workforce, asserting, "Race-based pay discrimination will not be tolerated in our economy."
The lawsuit details that this disparity began in 2011, the year Metcalfe was hired, making her the office's first Black attorney among an all-white team. Her initial salary was significantly lower than that of her white colleagues, even though they shared similar roles. Over time, the gap widened as she was excluded from the routine pay increases granted to her peers. In 2019, a white attorney with no prior legislative experience and comparable legal background was hired at a higher pay rate, emphasizing the unequal treatment Metcalfe faced.
After raising concerns about her salary disparity, Metcalfe was denied equitable pay adjustments, leading her to resign. The DOJ is now seeking back pay, compensatory damages, and additional relief for Metcalfe.
Mississippi's governor, Tate Reeves, who was lieutenant governor during part of Metcalfe's employment, and current Lieutenant Governor, Delbert Hosemann, did not comment on the case. Metcalfe also has not responded to requests for remarks. The DOJ's lawsuit highlights ongoing concerns over racial equality in employment and wages, reinforcing that such practices violate federal protections against discrimination.
Link: NBCNews
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