DOJ Probes Des Moines Public Schools Over Alleged Title VII Violations; Superintendent Detained

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has initiated an investigation into Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS) to determine if the district's employment practices violate Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by discriminating based on race, color, or national origin. This inquiry coincides with the recent detention and resignation of Superintendent Ian Roberts, who faces federal charges related to his immigration status.

The DOJ's investigation, announced on September 30, 2025, focuses on several DMPS initiatives:

• Affirmative Action Plan (2021): This plan set specific recruitment goals to increase the number of teachers of color in elementary grades.

• Staff Retention Strategies: DMPS emphasized "lifting up voices of our People of Color" and creating a safer environment for them.

• 3D Coalition Project: A recruitment and hiring program targeting aspiring minority teachers.

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon stated, "DEI initiatives and race-based hiring preferences in our schools violate federal anti-discrimination laws and undermine educational priorities."

This investigation is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to scrutinize diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies in educational institutions.

The DOJ's inquiry coincides with the resignation of DMPS Superintendent Ian Roberts, who was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for allegedly residing and working in the U.S. without legal authorization.

Roberts, originally from Guyana, entered the U.S. in 1999 on a student visa. On September 26, 2025, he was detained by ICE after a traffic stop. He allegedly fled into nearby woods before being apprehended. At the time of arrest, he was found with a loaded handgun, $3,000 in cash, and a hunting knife. Roberts had a final removal order issued in 2024 and was reportedly living and working in the U.S. without legal authorization.

Following his detention, the Des Moines school board placed Roberts on administrative leave. Roberts' arrest prompted public protests and raised concerns about ICE’s enforcement methods.

Roberts has been indicted by a federal grand jury for falsely claiming U.S. citizenship on an Employment Eligibility Verification form (I-9) and for unlawful possession of firearms while residing in the U.S. illegally. The charges could result in up to 20 years in prison.

The DOJ's investigation into DMPS's employment practices may influence how school districts nationwide implement DEI initiatives. Roberts' detention highlights the intensified federal immigration enforcement under the Trump Administration, affecting individuals in prominent public positions.

The concurrent DOJ investigation into Des Moines Public Schools and the legal issues surrounding former Superintendent Ian Roberts underscore the complexities at the intersection of educational policy, legal compliance, and immigration enforcement. As the district navigates these challenges, the outcomes may have far-reaching implications for educational institutions nationwide.