Maine federal worker leads lawsuit against Trump’s anti-DEI actions
A class-action lawsuit led by a federal worker from Maine is challenging President Donald Trump’s anti-DEI efforts, calling them a “witch-hunt” against federal employees involved in diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility programs. The 17-page lawsuit, filed with the Merit System Protection Board, accuses the Trump administration of unlawfully targeting federal workers for termination due to their participation in these programs, violating their First Amendment rights and the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
The lawsuit’s lead plaintiff, Mahri Stánniak, along with other federal workers fired during the DEI purge, is seeking reinstatement and compensation for lost wages and damages. Stánniak, who worked for the federal government for over sixteen years, focused on LGBTQ+ policies and safe workplaces before being fired following Trump’s executive orders to eliminate DEI programs across federal agencies. Despite no longer working in a DEI-affiliated role, Stánniak was incorrectly labeled as a “Diversity Program Manager” at the time of their dismissal, indicating pretextual reasons behind the termination.
The lawsuit argues that the Trump administration’s actions were politically motivated and targeted employees based on their perceived affiliations, a violation of their constitutional rights. It also contends that the “witch-hunt” disproportionately affected non-male and non-white federal workers, breaching Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The administration’s move to dismantle DEI programs was seen as punishment for those perceived to support political opponents rather than a genuine shift in priorities.
The lawsuit sheds light on the broader implications of the Trump administration’s anti-DEI stance, highlighting the impact on dedicated federal workers striving to provide essential services to the nation. By challenging these actions in court, the plaintiffs aim to hold the administration accountable for its discriminatory practices and seek justice for those wrongfully terminated.UILayout section.
