Recently, President Trump illegally terminated two commissioners at the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). This decision undermines the independence and integrity of an agency meant to ensure fair treatment in the workplace. Trump also fired EEOC General Counsel Karla Gilbride, who was responsible for initiating and leading the agency’s employment discrimination litigation. Opening the agency up to political manipulation could leave many workers open to discrimination, retaliation, and harassment.
Janai Nelson, President and Director-Counsel at the Legal Defense Fund (LDF) issued the following statement in response:
“We are deeply concerned by the unlawful termination of two highly qualified EEOC commissioners before the end of their term. By removing Charlotte Burrows and Jocelyn Samuels from their positions, the Trump Administration is sending a clear message that protecting the rights of workers comes second to political gain.
“Since its creation in 1965, the EEOC has been a critical safeguard against unlawful workplace discrimination. The political weaponization of this agency will have clear consequences for Black communities and other marginalized groups.
“If an anti-discrimination agency like the EEOC is unable to effectively hold the government and employers across the country accountable, the exclusion of Black workers, denial of equal pay and promotion opportunities for women, and harassment of LGBTQ+ employees will run rampant.
“However, the tactics used by the President to carry out his assault on civil rights and working people are not new to us. When former President Ronald Reagan similarly dismissed Mary Frances Berry and Blandina Cardenas Ramirez because they criticized his policies toward women and Black and Hispanic workers, LDF successfully fought for their reinstatement.
“Trump also unlawfully terminated National Labor Review Board member Gwynne Wilcox and General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo. These firings raise similar concerns.
“At a time when many of our civil rights are under threat and being weaponized to subvert their fundamental purpose, we hope people across the country will fight against the unfair barriers that keep their neighbors, friends, and community members shut out from equal opportunity. At LDF, we will continue to advocate for the full inclusion of Black people across every sector of the economy and will fight to protect the tools that help bring this vision to life.”
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Founded in 1940, the Legal Defense Fund (LDF) is the nation’s first civil rights law organization. LDF’s Thurgood Marshall Institute is a multi-disciplinary and collaborative hub within LDF that launches targeted campaigns and undertakes innovative research to shape the civil rights narrative. In media attributions, please refer to us as the Legal Defense Fund or LDF. Please note that LDF has been completely separate from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) since 1957—although LDF was originally founded by the NAACP and shares its commitment to equal rights.
