Former Federal Employees Sue Trump Administration for First Amendment Violations and Discrimination - ACLU of DC

A group of former federal employees has filed a class action lawsuit against the Trump administration, alleging they were unlawfully fired for their involvement with or perceived support of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The complaint asserts that these firings were politically motivated, targeting individuals based on their perceived political affiliations and membership in protected groups – specifically people of color, women, and non-binary employees. The lawsuit claims violations of the First Amendment, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, and the Civil Service Reform Act, arguing that the administration prioritized political allegiance over merit-based employment.

Plaintiffs, including Stephanie Fell, Stephanie Gilliard, L.L. Smith, and Mahri Stainnak, were terminated following President Trump’s Executive Orders 14151 and 14173, which aimed to dismantle DEI programs within the federal government. Despite prior attempts to resolve the claims through the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the plaintiffs have turned to the courts for redress.

The ACLU of the District of Columbia, along with Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP, and Kalijarvi, Chuzi, Newman & Fitch PC, represent the plaintiffs, seeking reinstatement and compensation for lost wages and damages. Advocates emphasize the importance of protecting federal employees from politically motivated purges and upholding the principles of a merit-based civil service system, as enshrined in the Civil Service Reform Act.

(Source：ACLU of DC)