Minneapolis, Minnesota - A federal judge recently tossed a discrimination lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump's administration against Minneapolis Public Schools.
On Monday, District Judge Patrick Schiltz dismissed the case in a 25-page ruling, explaining the suit "cannot proceed 'in equity and good conscience'" because the Minneapolis Federation of Educators union was not included.
Judge Schiltz issued the ruling without prejudice, meaning the case may be filed again, and suggested educators could file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
The Trump administration filed the suit in December, alleging that teachers labeled as part of "underrepresented" minority groups were given preferential treatment in employment decisions due to a provision in the collective bargaining agreement between the teachers' union and the district.
The suit also claimed such teachers are exempt from seniority order and layoffs.
The Department of Justice did not include the union in the lawsuit due to federal law that states an attorney general can only bring lawsuits alleging a practice of discrimination against governmental entities, not private entities like labor unions.
In a statement, the school district said it was "pleased" with the ruling and will "remain committed to working with our labor partners to ensure collective bargaining agreements are in the best interest of our students and employees."
In his second term, Trump has repeatedly targeted Minnesota from several angles, including lawsuits, fraud investigations, and aggressive deportation sweeps.
The lawsuit also falls in line with his efforts to terminate diversity, equity, and inclusion programs across the country and his repeated claims that white people are being discriminated against as a result of such policies.