Star Tribune: Department Of Human Services Accused Of “Toxic Environment” For Employees Of Color

From the Minnesota Reformer:

By Max Nesterak
September 8, 2020

The Star Tribune reports Tuesday that Minnesota Department of Human Services, which is state government’s largest government agency, can be a “toxic environment” for workers who are Black, Native American and from other communities of color.

The report cites on-the-record comments and public records, noting that 35% of the agency’s clients are people of color or Native American, while 80% of its employees are white. About two-in-five workers from communities of color leave within two years, according to data obtained by the Star Tribune through a public records request.

Minnesotans are newly examining a range of institutions for racial bias following the police killing of George Floyd on Memorial Day, which brought to the surface longstanding patterns of racial disparities in income, education, housing, criminal justice and health.

Department of Human Services, known as DHS, employs more than 7,300 workers and serves more than 1 million Minnesotans — nearly one-in-five. The agency administers mental health and addiction programs, the Minnesota version of Medicaid, cash assistance, food stamps and programs for the elderly, among myriad other tasks that mostly help Minnesotans who are struggling.

The Minnesota Reformer is an independent, nonprofit news organization dedicated to keeping Minnesotans informed and unearthing stories other outlets can’t or won’t tell..