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By Aliss Higham
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The Trump Administration is encouraging white men who have experienced discrimination at work on account of their race or sex to claim money under federal civil rights laws.
Andrea Lucas, chair of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), posted on X on Wednesday that white males who believe they have experienced discrimination at work should contact the EEOC as they may have a "claim to recover money."
Why It Matters
Since taking office, President Donald Trump has actively moved to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and reinstate what the White House describes as "merit-based opportunity."
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At the start of his second term, Trump signed several executive orders that ended DEI programs across the federal government and federal contracting. These orders overturned previous affirmative action requirements, directing agencies to uphold civil rights laws while eliminating race-based preferences.
More recently, the State Department announced it would deem countries that implement DEI policies as violating human rights.
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What To Know
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act is the primary federal law that prohibits employment discrimination based on race, religion, national origin, color, and sex, including gender, gender identity, pregnancy, and sexual orientation.
Employers are prohibited from taking adverse employment actions - like firing, refusing to hire, demoting, or denying a promotion - based on any of these protected characteristics. Employees subjected to such treatment may have the right to file a discrimination claim.
The EOCC investigates complaints and can bring lawsuits against employers when violations are found. It also issues guidance to help employers and workers understand their rights and responsibilities under civil rights laws.
Lucas was initially nominated to the EEOC in 2020 during Trump's first term and was confirmed in July for a five-year term. Following her confirmation, Lucas said in a statement that she was committed to advancing Trump's "bold civil rights agenda," with an emphasis on restoring "equal opportunity, merit, and colorblind equality."
At the time of her appointment, Democratic lawmakers and civil rights groups opposed Lucas' confirmation, accusing her of politicizing the agency, defying congressional intent, and weakening workers' civil rights.
Republican senators, however, lauded her leadership, pointing in particular to her push to reverse Biden-era guidance on workplace gender identity protections, which Lucas has said exceeded the EEOC's authority.
What People Are Saying
Lucas said in a video posted to X: "The EEOC is committed to identifying, attacking, and eliminating ALL race and sex discrimination — including against white male employees and applicants."
Vice President JD Vance wrote on X this week: "A lot of people think 'DEI' is lame diversity seminars or racial slogans at NFL games. In reality, it was a deliberate program of discrimination primarily against white men."
Lauren Khouri, senior director of workplace equality at the National Women's Center, said in November: "Andrea Lucas was handpicked by Trump to lead the EEOC and his mission of weaponizing the agency to attack hardworking people across the country. As acting chair, she has made clear she is a Trump loyalist dedicated to carrying out his radical crusade against programs that encourage diversity, equity and inclusion**."**
What Happens Next
Those who believe they have been discriminated against at work can contact the EOCC for guidance.
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