St. Louis

Missouri Attorney General's Office Settles Lawsuit with IBM Over Hiring Practices

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Published on February 06, 2026
Missouri Attorney General's Office Settles Lawsuit with IBM Over Hiring PracticesSource: Missouri Attorney General

The Missouri Attorney General's Office and IBM have reached a settlement in a lawsuit concerning the company’s employment practices. The state, led by Attorney General Catherine Hanaway, had sued IBM over its use of a diversity modifier in hiring decisions, which was under scrutiny for potentially violating the Missouri Human Rights Act.

The settlement resolves all claims related to the lawsuit. Missouri will withdraw its appeal of the dismissal, effectively closing the case with prejudice. The Attorney General’s Office said the resolution reflects its commitment to ensuring employment practices comply with state law and protect workers from unlawful discrimination.

IBM, a global technology and consulting company with operations in Missouri, faced legal scrutiny over its hiring practices. While the terms of the settlement were not disclosed, the resolution allows both parties to move forward and suggests that IBM may review its hiring practices to ensure compliance with Missouri law.