PHOENIX (AP) — The Maricopa County Community College District has agreed to pay nearly $68,000 to settle a U.S. Justice Department lawsuit that alleged it discriminated against non-citizens in hiring.
The district was accused of requiring newly hired non-citizens who legally could work in the U.S. to present work authorization documents beyond those required by law. It did not require U.S. citizens to provide the documents.
The district will pay nearly $46,000 in civil penalties and more than $22,000 to two applicants offered jobs but not allowed to begin work. The district agreed to change its hiring practices to make sure all applicants are treated equally.
The district said it believed the tax form it used was needed to comply with the law and agreed to Monday's settlement to avoid legal costs.
