A federal judge has dismissed the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's lawsuit that challenged the Navajo Nation's Navajo preference law.

The EEOC sued Peabody Coal and the Navajo Nation. The agency contends Peabody discriminates against Native Americans who are not Navajo.

The tribe tried to halt the suit, citing sovereign immunity. But the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals said the tribe could be joined as a defendant and sent the case back to U.S. District Judge Mary Murguia in Arizona

On the merits, Murguia issued a summary judgement on September 30 in favor of the tribe and dismissed the complaint against Peabody.

Get the Story:
Federal court dismisses suit on Navajo employment preference (AP 10/5)

Relevant Links:
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission - http://www.eeoc.gov

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