University broke state law to hire black candidate over more qualified white one

The University of Washington Department of Psychology violated a non-discrimination policy by putting “inappropriate” emphasis on applicants’ race in a hiring decision earlier this year, a university investigation found.

The report by the university’s Complaint Investigation & Resolution Office found the department altered its hiring process “to provide disparate opportunities” for a black candidate whom a hiring committee ranked lower than white and Asian candidates.

The public university prohibits discrimination on the basis of race and sex. The decision also violated a state law banning affirmative action practices in the state of Washington, watchdogs say.