Former U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Commissioner Jocelyn Samuels received startling news late on January 27—she was being removed from her position on the commission. The civil rights attorney, who had served under both Republican and Democratic administrations, expressed her disbelief, particularly as she had been appointed by President Trump to fill a Democratic seat during his first term.
“I did not hide my policy views or the way I go about legal interpretation when I was interviewed by the Trump administration back in 2020,” stated Samuels. She emphasized her commitment to integrity and the rule of law, despite now facing accusations that her support for diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives is “radical.” Samuels believes the viewpoints of the current administration have shifted towards a more extreme ideology, contributing to her removal.
Since Trump’s return to the White House, he has initiated numerous legally dubious actions to implement his agenda. The firings of Samuels and former EEOC Chair Charlotte Burrows have not garnered significant public outcry, but civil rights advocates warn they signify a troubling trend to dismantle systems addressing systemic inequalities in the U.S.
An Agency Established to Combat Discrimination
Created 60 years ago, the EEOC’s primary mission is to enforce Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits workplace discrimination. The agency plays a crucial role in investigating thousands of complaints each year and pursuing cases against employers when necessary. Historically, the EEOC has focused on protecting marginalized workers and underserved communities.
However, Samuels fears that this focus may diminish as Trump’s administration expands its crackdown on diversity initiatives across federal agencies. So far, significant actions include halting diversity-related work and rescinding previous protections aimed at preventing workplace discrimination based on gender identity.
“Elections Have Consequences”
Samuels remarked, “Elections have consequences, and new administrations do have different priorities.” She highlighted concerns that the current administration’s efforts appear to be aimed at eroding the foundational policies of the EEOC. With only two commissioners remaining, the EEOC currently lacks a quorum to make substantial policy shifts, but this is expected to change with forthcoming appointments, potentially leading to a Republican majority.
Under this new majority, significant policy changes are anticipated, including rescinding vital protections against workplace discrimination, particularly for transgender individuals. These developments could create a chilling effect on employers, discouraging them from implementing equitable practices.
As discussions continue about the implications of Trump’s recent executive orders, experts worry that employers might misinterpret the guidance, leading them to neglect their legal obligations regarding accommodations for employees with disabilities.
A Fight of Her Own
Now facing the possibility of legal action against her firing, Samuels reflects on her career advocating for civil rights and considers her next steps. “I’m going to be thinking very hard about appropriate next steps,” she said.
With a backdrop of ongoing challenges to agency independence, the resolution of Samuels’ situation could serve as a crucial test for the courts, as various commissioners impacted by similar dismissals begin to challenge their removals.
