While many are reporting that employment is on an upswing, the state of Iowa is facing a bias lawsuit from up to 6,000 African-Americans who say that they've been passed over for promotions and state jobs; an issue dating back nine years. According to the Albany Times Union, this is the largest lawsuit of any kind against a state government's civil service system, and it puts into question the theory that only statistics alone can prove widespread discrimination.

There is no implication of overt racism listed in the suit, but allegedly hiring managers subconsciously favored Whites over Blacks, leaving Blacks at a disadvantage in decisions over who got interviewed or promoted. Similar cases against local government have failed because proving broad bias is extremely difficult, but the judge's decision is expected to come in March.

What will be the ramifications if Iowa is found guilty? Is it possible that Black residents in other states can raise similar concerns?