DES MOINES, Iowa — The Justice Department announced on Tuesday that it has opened an investigation into Des Moines Public Schools’ employment practices.

In a letter sent to DMPS, the Justice Department said it is opening an investigation into the district for what it described as “race-based” employment practices, and whether those practices violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

The letter goes on to say that the investigation is based on information alleging that the district engaged in hiring practices that discriminated against employees, applicants, and training program participants based on race, color, and national origin.

“DMPS’ Board of Governance Policies, Section 2.0, ‘Board’s Guardrails for the Superintendent,’ provides that ‘[t]he Superintendent shall not allow the composition of the teaching and learning staff to diverge regarding demographics and cultural responsivity, from the student population while utilizing hiring practices conducted in accordance with the District’s Affirmative Action Plan and Equal Employment Opportunity/Non-Discrimination Process,” the letter reads.

The letter also specifically cites the district’s 2021 Affirmative Action Plan, which included goals of increasing the number of kindergarten to fifth grade teachers by roughly 5 to 8%.

A spokesperson with DMPS released the following statement about the investigation:

“Des Moines Public Schools just received a communications on this matter this afternoon from the U.S. Department of Justice. We are reviewing their letter and will respond to them accordingly.”

The DOJ’s investigation comes after now former Superintendent Dr. Ian Roberts was detained by ICE late last week. Officials say Roberts had no work authorization and had received a final order of removal by an immigration judge in May 2024 for an expired student visa. It is unknown at this time whether the DOJ’s investigation is related to Roberts.

Roberts was appointed as DMPS’ superintendent in 2023. At the time, the district said that Roberts was selected for the role after an extensive nationwide search based on a leadership profile that was developed from input provided by the school board, teachers, families, and other school community members.

You can read the full letter sent to DMPS below: