Filed Date: Jan. 14, 2026
Case Ongoing
Clearinghouse coding complete
On January 14, 2026, the United States Government brought this lawsuit against the Minnesota Department of Human Services’ (MDHS) Hiring Justification Policy in U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota. Plaintiffs alleged that Minnesota's Hiring Justification Policy, which mandates agency consideration of "affirmative action goals on all staffing and personnel decision," constituted unlawful sex-based discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Minn. R. 3905.0100. Filing under Title VII sections 703(a)(1) and 703(a)(2), they sought declaratory and injunctive relief prohibiting Defendants and all those in active concert from implementing "race-and sex-conscious staffing and personnel practices."
This case was assigned to a three-judge district court panel comprised of the Honorable Raymond W. Gruender, Patrick J. Schiltz, and D. Price Marshall, Jr., for the Eighth Circuit, District of Minnesota, and Eastern District of Arkansas, respectively. Magistrate Judge Dulce J. Foster was also assigned to the case. Following his recusal on January 18, 2026, the case was reassigned to Magistrate Judge Shannon G. Elkins.
This case is ongoing.
Summary Authors
Nick Martire (1/25/2026)
Ben Hefter (2/17/2026)
For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/72142517/parties/united-states-v-state-of-minnesota/
Dolin, Gregory (Minnesota)
Gieseke, Greta Alyse (Minnesota)
Farrell, Peter J (Minnesota)
Pladson, Nicholas J (Minnesota)
See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/72142517/united-states-v-state-of-minnesota/
Last updated Feb. 25, 2026, 3:07 p.m.
State / Territory:
Case Type(s):
Special Collection(s):
Operation Metro Surge
Trump Administration 2.0: Litigation and Investigations Involving the Government
Key Dates
Filing Date: Jan. 14, 2026
Case Ongoing: Yes
Plaintiffs
Plaintiff Description:
Plaintiff is the United States Federal Government.
Public Interest Lawyer: No
Filed Pro Se: No
Class Action Sought: No
Class Action Outcome: Not sought
Defendants
Defendant Type(s):
Case Details
Causes of Action:
Title VI, Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. § 2000d et seq.
Other Dockets:
District of Minnesota 0:26-cv-00273
Special Case Type(s):
Available Documents:
Outcome
Prevailing Party: None Yet / None
Relief Sought:
Relief Granted:
Source of Relief:
Issues
Discrimination Basis: