A federal judge has made a decision that could have major implications for the state of Colorado and its alleged history of discriminatory practices.

On Tuesday, U.S. District Court Judge Charlotte N. Sweeney ruled that a state employee, Deanna Butler, could proceed to trial over one specific instance of non-promotion, raising questions about the department's practices and accusing them of racial discrimination.

Butler, who has worked for the government for 30 years, filed a lawsuit against the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment after being repeatedly passed over for promotions in favor of younger, White applicants.

As a Black woman, Butler argued that not only did she have more experience and qualifications than the applicants chosen for the positions, but she was also forced to train them in their roles while being denied the promotion herself.

While Judge Sweeney found that some of Butler's claims lacked sufficient evidence, she did agree that there was enough to support one specific instance of discrimination.

In 2019, a younger, White man was hired for a supervisory position over Butler, despite her scoring higher in a comparative analysis. The department claimed that the man had provided more information in his interview, while alleging that Butler did not have enough supervisory experience for the position.

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However, Sweeney found these justifications to be "flat out wrong" and "incredible."

She also expressed doubt over the department's claims that Butler had answered an interview question by saying she did not have any good ideas. Despite the department's efforts to dismiss Butler's claims, Sweeney determined that there was enough evidence to proceed to trial.

This decision could have far-reaching consequences for the state of Colorado, as Butler is seeking a promotion, back pay, and a whopping $300,000 in damages. And this is not the first time the state has been accused of discrimination.

Butler has also filed another claim with the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment Commission over the hiring of another White man for a supervisory position. The judge indicated that this claim will be incorporated into the current lawsuit once the EEOC takes action.

As the trial date has yet to be set, the state of Colorado and its Department of Public Health and Environment will have to wait and see how the jury decides this high-profile case, which could have implications for future hiring practices.