Federal judge dismisses DOJ lawsuit challenging Minneapolis Public Schools' teacher layoff policy

A federal judge has dismissed a Department of Justice lawsuit against Minneapolis Public Schools' race-conscious teacher layoff policy, citing the DOJ's failure to include the Minneapolis Federation of Educators as a necessary party. While the judge expressed "grave doubts" about the legality of the policy, which allows the district to retain "underrepresented" teachers over others during staff reductions, the procedural dismissal means the policy remains in effect for now.