Mayor Brandon Johnson’s Hiring Scandal Sparks DOJ Civil Rights Probe—Is Chicago Being Divided by Race?

Chicago’s political scene is heating up as the Department of Justice (DOJ) launches a formal investigation into Mayor Brandon Johnson’s hiring practices, following accusations of racial discrimination in how city jobs are being allocated. The news has sent shockwaves through the Windy City and triggered sharp criticism from both political leaders and residents.

According to a letter from Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, the inquiry will focus on whether Johnson’s administration is engaged in a “pattern or practice” of racial discrimination in employment decisions. The probe follows controversial remarks by Mayor Johnson in which he appeared to prioritize race as a factor in appointing top officials within the city government.

The development has prompted Chicago Alderman Raymond Lopez to publicly support the investigation, stating that it reflects the concerns of many citizens who feel excluded by the mayor’s approach to governance.

From the website : Dan Bongino Drops Bombshell: FBI to Release Video That Shuts Down Jeffrey Epstein Murder Theories

“I am glad they are looking into it. This validates the concerns that Mayor Johnson is not leading for the entire city, but only for a specific demographic,” Lopez told Fox News Digital.

Lopez noted that “tens of thousands” of Chicago city employees feel sidelined under the current administration, alleging that qualified individuals have been overlooked for promotions, career advancements, or even basic hiring opportunities due to racial preferences.

The DOJ’s notification, dated May 19, made clear the seriousness of the concerns. Dhillon wrote, “If such hiring decisions are being made for top-level positions, then it raises serious questions about whether the same is occurring across all departments, including lower-level roles.”

The spotlight has now turned toward Johnson’s own comments, which critics say blatantly prioritized one ethnic group over others. In response, Lopez slammed the mayor’s rhetoric as a dangerous step backward for a city striving for unity.

“It’s disheartening to hear our city’s leader speak so passionately about favoring one demographic, while marginalizing others. In the 21st century, we’ve worked so hard to move beyond race-based judgments—this is a giant leap in the wrong direction,” Lopez said.

In a particularly powerful moment, Lopez emphasized that the discontent isn’t limited to those outside the favored demographic.

“Let me be absolutely clear—there are African Americans who are also disturbed by these statements. There are long-serving, dedicated city employees who now feel their years of commitment have been reduced to a matter of race.”

From the website : Elite Liberal Islands Rocked: ICE Captures Dozens of Illegal Immigrants on Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, Including Child Predator

The investigation comes at a time when public trust in municipal leadership is already under pressure. With increasing scrutiny of equity versus equality in hiring practices nationwide, the outcome of this probe could have broader implications across urban centers dealing with similar challenges.

For now, the city awaits the results of the DOJ’s inquiry—and with it, a deeper conversation about merit-based hiring, diversity, and the role of race in public employment in modern America.

Stay tuned to Different HUB for further developments on this evolving story as the federal government continues its civil rights investigation into one of America’s most prominent urban leaders.