Federal Workers Fired in Anti-DEI Crackdown File Class Action Lawsuit - NOTUS — News of the United States
Former federal employees fired during a crackdown on DEI initiatives have filed a class action lawsuit seeking reinstatement and back pay.Summary
A class action lawsuit was filed Wednesday by former government workers who allege they were terminated due to the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. Represented by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the plaintiffs – including Stephanie Fell, Stephanie Gilliard, L.L. Smith, and Mahri Stainnak – are seeking reinstatement, back pay, lost benefits, and the removal of termination records from their employment histories. The lawsuit argues that the terminations were politically motivated and targeted individuals based on their race, gender, or advocacy for DEI principles. It specifically challenges President Trump’s executive order criticizing DEI initiatives as “illegal and immoral discrimination programs.”
A key aspect of the case centers on the claim that the Trump administration undermined the process for contesting terminations by deliberately creating a quorum shortage at the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), effectively halting the review of employee appeals. This has resulted in a significant backlog of cases and prevents former employees from regaining their positions, even with successful appeals. The plaintiffs assert they have exhausted their options at the MSPB and are now turning to federal courts.
The ACLU argues that the current situation represents a continuation of historical efforts to promote fairness in hiring, referencing legislation like the 1883 Pendleton Act and the 1964 Civil Rights Act. The lawsuit seeks judicial intervention, arguing that the courts should assert jurisdiction given the MSPB’s inability to function and address the backlog of cases.
(Source：NOTUS — News of the United States)