An attorney is asking the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate alleged employment discrimination within the Michigan State Police.

James K. Fett sent a 17-page letter dated Sept. 11 to the DOJ Civil Rights Division, asking the agency to open a pattern-or-practice investigation under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

 I don't care who is being discriminated against. You make decisions based on race, gender, height, weight; it's illegal. It violates the Constitution. And right now, one of her directors is blatantly violating the law,  Fett said.

He represents former MSP Major Ryan Pennell and former MSP Inspector Patrick Morris, who have filed lawsuits involving employment practices at the agency.

Fett says he has been fighting the state police in court for decades over affirmative action and DEI-and says the problems are still happening.

 I'm frustrated. I'm tired. My clients are tired of knocking our heads against the wall trying to get the state and the MSP to simply comply with the law,  he said.

The governor's office referred questions about the letter to the Michigan State Police.

The Michigan State Police said it stands behind its members, whom it described as highly trained public safety professionals in their respective fields.

 All state departments are required to follow Civil Service rules and federal law when it comes to hiring practices. The MSP remains committed to ensuring these standards are upheld,  the agency said.

The DOJ generally does not confirm or deny whether it has opened an investigation. The department has not confirmed whether it is reviewing Fett's request.

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