Show-Me State Times

Today, the Missouri Attorney General's Office initiated a formal investigation into the City of Columbia by issuing a Sunshine Law request. This action is part of an ongoing examination into decision-making processes within city programs, hiring practices, and funding allocations.

Attorney General Bailey stated, "We will not allow government at any level to implement systemically racist policies under the false banner of ‘equity,’ a term which city officials have been hesitant to agree upon." He emphasized that "race-based quotas in public policy are illegal and unconstitutional."

Reports from Columbia residents alleging discrimination in city programs prompted this investigation. The Attorney General's Office cited the Supreme Court case Students for Fair Admissions, Inc., v. Pres. and Fellows of Harvard Coll., underscoring that racial discrimination is prohibited by law.

Bailey noted concerns regarding Columbia's 2021 Strategic Plan, which included intentions to adopt a "racial equity toolkit" and "racial equity lens." He remarked, "The people of Columbia voted for transparency but have received ambiguous, potentially racist policies that threaten punishment for city employees who challenge the DEI narrative."

The Attorney General's Office has requested public records and electronic communications containing specific terms like “racial equity toolkit,” “racial equity lens,” and “equity” from key city officials dating from March 1, 2025, to present.

Under Missouri’s Sunshine Law (Chapter 610) and Human Rights Act (Chapter 213), the Attorney General is authorized to pursue enforcement actions related to civil rights violations.

Bailey concluded by stating, “This is about transparency, accountability, and protecting the rule of law. The people of Missouri deserve to know whether their city governments are applying illegal racial quotas behind closed doors. We intend to find out.”

The full Sunshine request can be accessed online.