DOJ Settles Allegations of Immigration-Related Employment Discrimination Against Maricopa Community College District

"The Justice Department today reached a settlement agreement with the Maricopa County Community College District in Arizona, resolving allegations that the district engaged in a pattern or practice of discrimination against non-citizens in the hiring and employment-eligibility verification process. The district, which consists of 10 community colleges and two skill centers, has agreed to pay $45,760 in civil penalties and $22,123 in back pay to settle a lawsuit filed by the Justice Department on Aug. 30, 2010. According to the department?s findings, the district had a policy of requiring newly hired workers who are not U.S. citizens but are authorized to work to present specific documentation that is not required by federal law. In accordance with that policy, at least two individuals were denied the opportunity to begin their employment despite having produced documentation sufficient to establish their employment eligibility. Specifically, a lawful permanent resident who accepted an adjunct mathematics faculty appointment and an honor student who was to begin a federal work-study position were not permitted to work when they did not comply with the district?s excessive and discriminatory documentary requirements. Both individuals will receive full back pay." DOJ, May 16, 2011.