Jocelyn Samuels, a former commissioner of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), expressed shock upon learning of her removal from the agency on January 27, 2025. The news arrived via email late that evening, and although there had been rumors regarding potential dismissals of independent agency commissioners by President Trump, Samuels did not expect to be affected. Appointed during Trump’s first term to fill a Democratic seat, she had a long-standing career as a civil rights lawyer, having served under both Republican and Democratic administrations.
Samuels stated that she had been transparent about her policy views during her interview with the Trump administration in 2020. She emphasized her commitment to integrity and the rule of law in her role at the EEOC. However, she was informed that her advocacy for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives was seen as "radical," rendering her unfit to serve. This stark shift in the administration’s perspective has led her to conclude that it is the current administration that has moved toward more extreme views.
The EEOC, established to enforce civil rights laws in the workplace, has historically focused on protecting vulnerable workers and addressing systemic discrimination. Samuels fears that this focus may diminish under the Trump administration’s new directives. Since returning to office, Trump has implemented policies that halt DEI-related initiatives across the federal government, including revoking a 1965 executive order aimed at preventing employment discrimination by federal contractors.
With only two commissioners remaining, the EEOC currently lacks a quorum, preventing significant policy changes. However, Trump has the opportunity to appoint new commissioners, which could lead to a Republican majority and a potential overhaul of the commission’s priorities. Samuels anticipates that the agency may shift away from its commitment to protecting marginalized groups and instead become a barrier to their rights.
Samuels is contemplating legal action regarding her dismissal, expressing concern that the administration’s actions could chill employers’ efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace. She noted that many companies might hesitate to implement programs aimed at reducing barriers to opportunity due to the administration’s stance on DEI.
The implications of these developments extend beyond the EEOC, as civil rights advocates warn that the firings of Samuels and other officials signal a broader attempt to dismantle the infrastructure for addressing systemic inequalities in America. As the EEOC faces potential changes in leadership and direction, the future of civil rights protections in the workplace remains uncertain.