While dismissing the suit, the judge signaled the district's race-based protections would likely fail on their merits. MINNEAPOLIS (CN) — A federal judge on Monday tossed out a Justice Department lawsuit challenging Minneapolis Public Schools’ race-conscious teacher layoff policy. The district defends the policy as “lawful discrimination” intended to address historical imbalances. Striking down the policy would invalidate negotiated contract terms without giving the union an opportunity to defend them, he said. “Minneapolis Public Schools is pleased the Court granted our motion to dismiss this case,” the district told Courthouse News.