Federal Judge Pauses SpaceX Lawsuit Against DOJ Over Hiring Discrimination Claims
A federal judge in Texas has temporarily halted SpaceX’s lawsuit against the US Department of Justice (DOJ). The lawsuit challenges the DOJ’s authority to pursue claims that SpaceX discriminated against asylum seekers and refugees in its hiring practices.
Judge Grants DOJ’s Request for Stay
US Magistrate Judge Ignacio Torteya approved the DOJ’s request on Friday to pause the lawsuit for 45 days. This move, filed on 19 January, suggests the DOJ may either settle the case or drop it entirely during this period.
The lawsuit centres around allegations from the DOJ that SpaceX, between 2018 and 2022, systematically discouraged asylum recipients and refugees from applying for jobs. The agency claims the company refused to consider or hire individuals from these groups.
SpaceX has denied any wrongdoing. The company argues that federal export control laws, which regulate the sharing of sensitive technology, limit its hiring to US citizens and legal permanent residents.
Broader Legal and Political Context
In 2023, another judge blocked the DOJ from pursuing the case through an administrative proceeding. The decision came while SpaceX was challenging the constitutionality of the DOJ’s internal administrative judges. SpaceX contends that these judges are improperly appointed by the US attorney general, as their authority should rest solely with presidentially appointed officials.
Elon Musk, SpaceX’s founder, has been critical of federal agencies and their in-house enforcement processes. His criticism aligns with that of former President Donald Trump, under whom Musk serves as an adviser on a government efficiency panel. The panel’s goal is to identify unnecessary regulations, cut federal spending, and streamline government operations.
SpaceX Battles Other Federal Agencies
SpaceX is also involved in separate legal disputes with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). The company has filed lawsuits challenging the NLRB’s structure and seeking to block cases accusing it of illegal labour practices.
SpaceX and the DOJ have not yet issued comments on the recent developments in the case.
With inputs from Reuters
