Minnesota Department of Health Halts Race-Based Grant Program Following DOJ Investigation
Minnesota's Department of Health (MDH) has decided to halt a grant program that focused on race following an investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) into potential violations of the Civil Rights Act. The Capacity Strengthening Initiative, which favored organizations working with people of color, faced scrutiny for its race-based criteria and allocation of grants to specific communities.
The DOJ raised concerns about the Capacity Strengthening Initiative's eligibility requirements, which favored organizations serving populations of color and prioritized proposals from groups led by people of color. The grant program was designed to support community-based organizations and faith-based groups serving individuals from diverse backgrounds, including people of color, American Indians, LGBTQIA+, and individuals with disabilities.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon from the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division emphasized that the race-based language in the grant program violated the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in the distribution of federal funds. MDH took action to withdraw the program after the DOJ initiated a review under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits recipients of federal financial assistance from engaging in discriminatory practices.
The DOJ's intervention prompted MDH to suspend the Capacity Strengthening Initiative, acknowledging the importance of complying with federal regulations that prohibit discrimination in the allocation of funds based on race, color, or national origin. Fox News Digital reached out to both the DOJ and MDH for additional comments and confirmation on the matter.
In conclusion, the voluntary suspension of the race-based grant program by Minnesota's Department of Health underscores the significance of adhering to federal laws that prohibit discrimination in the distribution of funds based on race, color, or national origin. The DOJ's review highlighted the need for compliance with the Civil Rights Act to ensure equitable access to resources for all communities.