Justice Department Settles Lawsuit Against the South Dakota Department of Social Services Alleging Intentional Race Discrimination Against Native American Job Applicants at the Pine Ridge Reservation

The Justice Department announced today that it has reached a settlement with the South Dakota Department of Social Services (Department of Social Services or DSS), a state agency that assists South Dakotans seeking public benefits, resolving allegations that DSS intentionally discriminated against Native American job applicants at its Pine Ridge Indian Reservation Office. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, subject to court approval, the Department of Social Services will pay $350,000 in back pay and other monetary relief to approximately 60 Native American job applicants. The Department of Social Services also must comply with reporting requirements regarding its hiring of Specialists at the Pine Ridge Office.