The Department of Justice has launched an investigation into the Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD) over allegations of racial segregation in its training programs, which may conflict with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This act prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
According to WMAR-2 News, the Justice Department has taken issue with what they describe as the BCHD's formation of segregated caucus groups for "racial equity training," specifically "the white caucus" and the "people of color caucus." Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon has criticized these practices, stating, "Separating employees into training groups based on their race is discriminatory, illegal, and un-American. Such practices are divisive and foster a racially hostile work environment."
Further details have emerged that the BCHD contracted outside consultants for an "Undoing Racism Workshop" and to assess the white caucus group, incurring expenses between 2022 and 2024. This, too, is included in the Department of Justice's examination of potential illegal employment practices.
Upon contact by WBAL-TV, the Baltimore Mayor's Office acknowledged the DOJ's concern and communicated their readiness to cooperate, stating, "The City is aware of the DOJ's letter and will comply with any lawful investigation." The DOJ's Civil Rights Division has declared its intent to work closely with city leaders to determine the specifics of the investigation via Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Eric Sell.
This federal scrutiny comes on the heels of a separate DOJ investigation into Baltimore City Public Schools, initiated in August 2025 after reports of antisemitism surfaced. The latter case involved a teacher's aggressive and discriminatory conduct towards students, including allegations made by the Anti-Defamation League of a teacher exhibiting Nazi-related gestures towards a Jewish student.
