Detroit, Michigan, January 14, 2026
In a significant legal action, four Black employees of the Michigan Department of State have filed a lawsuit alleging racial discrimination and retaliation under the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act. The lawsuit claims unequal enforcement of policies, discriminatory hiring practices favoring less-qualified white candidates, and adverse actions against those who reported complaints. The Michigan Department of State has denied the allegations, asserting a commitment to ethical standards and non-discrimination.
Detroit, Michigan
Four Black employees of the Michigan Department of State have filed a lawsuit against Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and department staff, alleging racial discrimination and retaliation.
The lawsuit, filed in Wayne County Circuit Court, accuses the department of applying policies unequally, with Black employees facing stricter enforcement compared to their white counterparts. Specific allegations include:
- Unequal Enforcement of Policies: Black employees claim that department policies, such as those governing state vehicle usage, are enforced more rigorously against them than against white employees.
- Discriminatory Hiring Practices: The lawsuit alleges that Black employees were passed over for promotions in favor of less-qualified white candidates.
- Retaliation for Complaints: Employees who reported discriminatory practices reportedly faced adverse actions, including stripped job responsibilities and unfair performance evaluations.
In response, the Michigan Department of State has denied the allegations, stating that the claims are “absolutely false.” A department spokesperson emphasized that all employees are expected to adhere to the department’s ethical standards and that any form of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation is not tolerated.
The lawsuit references the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, familial status, or marital status in Michigan. The act has been expanded over time to include protections for additional groups, such as the LGBTQ+ community and individuals based on hair texture and protective hairstyles.
This legal action highlights ongoing concerns about racial discrimination within Michigan’s state agencies and underscores the importance of enforcing civil rights protections to ensure equal treatment for all employees.
What is the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act?
The Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act is a Michigan law that prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, familial status, or marital status in employment, housing, education, and access to public accommodations. Over time, the act has been expanded to include protections for additional groups, such as the LGBTQ+ community and individuals based on hair texture and protective hairstyles.
Main Allegations in the Lawsuit
The lawsuit alleges that the Michigan Department of State applied policies unequally, with Black employees facing stricter enforcement compared to their white counterparts. Specific allegations include unequal enforcement of policies, discriminatory hiring practices, and retaliation for complaints about discriminatory practices.
Response from the Michigan Department of State
The Michigan Department of State has denied the allegations, stating that the claims are “absolutely false.” A department spokesperson emphasized that all employees are expected to adhere to the department’s ethical standards and that any form of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation is not tolerated.
Reference to Michigan Law
The lawsuit references the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, familial status, or marital status in Michigan. The act has been expanded over time to include protections for additional groups, such as the LGBTQ+ community and individuals based on hair texture and protective hairstyles.
Significance of the Lawsuit
This legal action highlights ongoing concerns about racial discrimination within Michigan’s state agencies and underscores the importance of enforcing civil rights protections to ensure equal treatment for all employees.
Key Features of the Lawsuit
| Allegation | Description |
|---|---|
| Unequal Enforcement of Policies | Black employees claim that department policies, such as those governing state vehicle usage, are enforced more rigorously against them than against white employees. |
| Discriminatory Hiring Practices | The lawsuit alleges that Black employees were passed over for promotions in favor of less-qualified white candidates. |
| Retaliation for Complaints | Employees who reported discriminatory practices reportedly faced adverse actions, including stripped job responsibilities and unfair performance evaluations. |
| Department’s Response | The Michigan Department of State has denied the allegations, stating that the claims are “absolutely false.” A department spokesperson emphasized that all employees are expected to adhere to the department’s ethical standards and that any form of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation is not tolerated. |
| Reference to Michigan Law | The lawsuit references the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, familial status, or marital status in Michigan. The act has been expanded over time to include protections for additional groups, such as the LGBTQ+ community and individuals based on hair texture and protective hairstyles. |
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