In a shocking move, a recently dismissed member of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has come forward with a disturbing warning: the Trump administration is planning to “erase the existence of trans people.” Jocelyn Samuels, who was abruptly fired by President Donald Trump, believes that her dismissal and the restructuring of the EEOC are part of a broader agenda to roll back protections for transgender individuals and other marginalized groups.
Samuels, who was nominated by Trump in 2020 and confirmed by the Senate, said that her firing and the move to reshape the EEOC are unlawful and indicative of a looming wider rollback of work protections for women and minorities. She expressed concern that the refusal to recognize discrimination against trans people is not only a way to scapegoat and harm them but also a harbinger of how the administration will treat other applications of the law with which it disagrees.
The EEOC, created by the 1964 Civil Rights Act, is a bipartisan panel that protects workers from discrimination based on race, gender, disability, and other protected characteristics. The agency’s independence is meant to be ensured by staggered terms for its commissioners, with no more than three members from the president’s party. However, with Samuels’ dismissal and the appointment of a new acting chair, the agency is now poised to be controlled by a Republican majority.
This shift in power is likely to have severe consequences for transgender individuals, who already face significant barriers and discrimination in the workplace. Samuels predicted that the new commission will immediately roll back EEOC protections, effectively greenlighting harassment based on gender identity. The agency’s investigations into cases involving trans people will continue on paper, but the level of investigation and resources allocated will be severely diminished.
The end result, according to Samuels, will be “incalculable damage for a vulnerable community.” She maintains that her dismissal is unlawful and against the foundational concept of independent agencies like the EEOC. Samuels is exploring her legal options and believes that the termination is based on political orientation, which is not a valid reason for removing a commissioner.
As the situation unfolds, it is essential to recognize the importance of protecting the rights and dignity of all individuals, including those who are transgender. The EEOC’s role in safeguarding workers from discrimination is crucial, and any attempts to undermine its independence and effectiveness must be met with resistance and advocacy. We must stand in solidarity with the transgender community and demand that their rights and existence be respected and protected.