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SpaceX sues DOJ to dismiss discrimination case
https://www.whatjobs.com/news/usa/us-business-news/spacex-sues-doj-to-dismiss-discrimination-case
By Nithya Bose in US business news, posted September 21, 2023
Elon Musk’s SpaceX has sued the Justice Department to stop a discrimination case brought against the rocket company last month.
The lawsuit argues the DOJ’s case is unconstitutional as it would be adjudicated in an administrative court rather than a federal court with a jury.
DOJ filed the initial case against the company in August.
Read More: DOJ Files Lawsuit Against Elon Musk’s SpaceX Alleging Hiring Discrimination
The complaint says SpaceX discouraged refugees from applying for positions and unlawfully declined to hire or consider their applications.
SpaceX argued federal laws limited its ability to employ those who weren’t US citizens or permanent residents.
The Justice Department filed this legal action within its division, the Office of the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer.
SpaceX has denied allegations of discrimination against job applicants.
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Instead, it said its operations fall under national security laws that restrict hiring foreign workers.
The company submitted its complaint to the US District Court for the Southern District of Texas.
It names three Justice Department employees, including Attorney General Merrick Garland, as defendants.
SpaceX emphasized its commitment to hiring the most qualified candidates, irrespective of their citizenship status.
The company mentioned that it has already employed hundreds of noncitizens.
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Elon Musk said in August he was informed multiple times that hiring non-US permanent residents would violate international arms-trafficking laws.
He said it also includes Canadian citizens.
In its lawsuit, SpaceX has requested that the judge promptly halt DOJ’s legal action.
The company, known for its rocket development and launch activities, has over 13,000 employees across various facilities in the US.
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