Karen Ortiz, an administrative judge at the EEOC, has become a voice for those silenced by recent changes implemented under Trump's administration. Amid cost-cutting measures and a directive to pause LGBTQ+ cases, Ortiz reached out to colleagues urging them to resist compliance with what she termed 'illegal mandates'. Her email targeting the EEOC's acting chair raised serious concerns about management's commitment to the agency's mission to uphold anti-discrimination laws. Ortiz acknowledged the risks she faced but felt compelled to act in alignment with the EEOC's legal responsibilities.
But to some of her colleagues, she is giving a voice to those who feel they can't speak out.
Ortiz decried management's lack of action in response to the directive, which she said was antithetical to the EEOC's mission.
In it, Ortiz questioned Lucas's fitness to serve as acting chair, 'much less hold a license to practice law.'
I know I take a great personal risk in sending out this message. But, at the end of the day, my actions align with what the EEOC was charged with doing under the law.
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