A federal judge is now on administrative leave as the Trump administration works to terminate her employment, accusing her of failing to follow the president’s directives. Karen Ortiz, an administrative judge at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), has become the center of controversy after publicly opposing actions taken by the agency’s leadership, including its director, Andrea Lucas, who President Donald Trump appointed.
Karen Ortiz’s email sparks conflict
According to The Associated Press, in February, Ortiz sent an email to more than 1,000 coworkers expressing her concerns about Lucas and the administration’s actions. She argued that Lucas was “unfit” to lead the agency.
The EEOC later placed Ortiz on administrative leave, accusing her of “profoundly unprofessional conduct,” which officials argue is grounds for her dismissal. The agency also claimed that Ortiz’s email was shared with news outlets, potentially damaging the EEOC’s reputation. The alleged email also ended up on a Reddit thread, receiving more than 10,000 “upvotes” and hundreds of comments.
Trump’s executive order targets federal workers like Ortiz
In April, Trump signed an executive action aimed at increasing accountability for federal employees. The action creates a new category for federal workers, allowing agencies to remove employees for poor performance, misconduct or undermining presidential directives without facing the usual obstacles.
The fact sheet associated with the executive action used Ortiz as an example. The document referenced her email, which reportedly stated that Lucas was “not fit to be our chair.” Ortiz also declared that she would not implement Trump’s executive orders. The fact sheet noted this as an example of why the new action was necessary.
The action states, “Some bureaucrats also use the protections the system gives them to oppose presidential policies and impose their own preferences.”
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Since Trump took office, the EEOC has dropped seven of its own cases alleging transgender discrimination in the workplace.
EEOC role
The EEOC, a federal agency tasked with enforcing antidiscrimination laws at jobs across the country, recently made shifts under new leadership and a new administration. These changes included dropping cases involving transgender workers who filed discrimination claims against employers. Ortiz, based in New York, has been outspoken in her criticism of these moves.
According to the EEOC, they rely on laws that make it illegal for employers to discriminate against workers or job applicants. This includes discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex — including pregnancy, transgender status and sexual orientation — national origin, age, disability or genetic information.
Their laws apply to all work situations, including hiring, firing, promotions, harassment, wages and benefits.
The EEOC enforces several key equal opportunity laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Equal Pay Act and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act.
Trump’s policies sparked Ortiz’s opposition
Ortiz’s pushback largely stemmed from an executive order recognizing only two sexes, male and female. The ACLU criticized this directive, calling it a harmful signal that undermines the rights of transgender people.
Since Trump’s second term began, Ortiz has continued to publicly oppose the EEOC’s actions, voicing her concerns both through emails and in the media. Even after the EEOC revoked her ability to send emails, she persisted in raising her objections.
Ortiz plans to fight termination
Ortiz is now fighting her potential termination. She is working with her attorneys and union representatives to explore her options. Under federal law, she has the right to legal counsel, union support and the option to request an extension as part of the process.
In an interview with the AP, she said, “I’ve been quite the thorn in the agency’s side.”
