Mainer, other former federal employees, sue Trump administration over DEI firings

A class action lawsuit has been filed by former federal employees, including Mahri Stáinnak of Maine, against the Trump administration, alleging unlawful firings based on their involvement with or perceived support for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The lawsuit claims the firings were politically motivated, targeting “people of color, women, non-binary employees, and those … who advocated for or were perceived as advocating for protected racial or gender groups,” and violate federal laws like the Civil Rights Act and the First Amendment. Stáinnak, a former EPA and Office of Personnel Management employee, was placed on leave after executive orders targeting DEI programs, despite her current role not being related to DEI.

The plaintiffs initially sought resolution through the Merit Systems Protection Board and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), but these efforts were unsuccessful. The merit systems board denied class certification, and individual complaints weren’t processed within the standard timeframe. The EEOC was hampered by a lack of quorum for months following commissioner dismissals by Trump.

Attorney Mary Kuntz argues that dedicated federal workers were removed from important roles, such as those related to clean water and TSA inspections, simply for being associated with DEI, which the new administration had “demonized.” The Department of Justice declined to comment, and the Office of Personnel Management did not respond to requests for comment.

(Source：Portland Press Herald)