Discriminatory Layoffs at DOGE: Black Federal Workers Demand Accountability
- Karen Brittingham-Edmond
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
August 14, 2025
By Karen Brittingham-Edmond
Q & A Plus Analysis Addressing Fed Employee Layoff
Update: Over 300,000 American Citizens Were Forced Out Of Their Jobs By The Trump Administration And Elon Musk Temporary Department DOGE - 08/16/2025
The mass layoffs carried out by the temporarily contracted establishment DOGE have raised significant concerns regarding their discriminatory impact, particularly on Black federal workers. Reports indicate that a large portion of the employees laid off were from this demographic, leading to allegations that the decision-making processes lacked fairness and transparency. https://www.newsweek.com/us-hits-highest-layoffs-since-covid-2111794
Critics argue that the use of doubtful falsified flawed personnel records to determine termination decisions against American citizens may have disproportionately affected Black employees, further exacerbating existing inequalities within the federal workforce. The perception that these layoffs are politically motivated and may exceed the President's authority adds to the notion that systemic biases could be influencing personnel decisions.
Historically, federal employment has been a pathway for many Black citizens to achieve economic stability and performance recognition in public service. However, these layoffs, particularly in the context of the contractual nature of DOGE and the lack of traditional oversight, threaten to steal those opportunities. Advocates for equity and justice emphasize the need for accountability and call for a thorough examination of the layoffs to ensure that discriminatory practices are not allowed to persist in federal employment.
The implications of these actions not only affect the individuals laid off but also resonate throughout the wider community, raising concerns about representation and fairness in government employment. The situation calls for a critical reassessment of hiring and firing practices within organizations like DOGE to safeguard the rights and contributions of all federal workers, especially traditionally discriminated against Black citizens.
Furthermore, the actions taken during the "Trump administration 2025 agenda" raised serious legal and ethical concerns, particularly regarding the flimsy establishment of the "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE), by which is overseen by Elon Musk—a insourced South African figure associated with controversial views, such as being a Nazi and South African apartheid supporter. This initiative by Donald Trump and his racist administration was unprecedented, as it effectively placed a insourced private pro-apartheid known racist individual in a position of power to influence American citizen federal workforce policies, which is a clear overreach of presidential authority plus reveals the lack of accountability and or competency of Donald Trump and his Administration.
The public outcry and legal challenges to these layoffs underscored the widespread concern over the legality of the President's decision to empower Musk in this way. It also highlights President Donald Trump's strategic incompetence, which endangers all American citizens, including those with racist views. The Trump Administration raises critical questions about accountability and the federal government's role in protecting its citizens' welfare against politically motivated actions that undermine diversity, equity, and inclusion in the public sector. This situation serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding democratic values and ensuring that those in power act within the legal framework established to protect the rights of all Americans or leave office immediately. Additionally, it calls for the removal of their numerous illegally insourced allies with a history of Confederate support who have contributed to this confusion and threat to the American way.
Today we will hear feedback from Federal Employees who were unjustly laid off and wish to remain anonymous
1. How has the layoff from DOGE affected your personal and financial situation?
My household of two adults and two small children has been reduced from dual income household to one. I can afford to be out of work for awhile due to my spouse’s income, but it is not a long-term solution.
2. Can you describe your feelings about being laid off? What emotions are you experiencing during this difficult time?
It has been nearly 5 months since the announcement and 1 month since my official separation; therefore, I have had some time to come to terms with my separation from the Federal. I am more upset about the handling of the RIFs. There goal seems to be the inflicting of continuous trauma even after separation. HHS staff were notified of our separation on April 1st 2025 as a practical joke. This layoff included 10K people across HHS mainly impacting HR, IT and communication staff.
3. Do you believe that the decision to lay off employees was influenced by racial or ethnic factors? Why or why not?
The cuts seem to disproportionately impact women of color since HR and DEI positions were hit hard.
4. How do you feel about the reduction in severance pay? Do you think it is fair based on the agreement that was initially made?
This is simply the result of incompetence. RIF normally take years, but HHS rushed everything and made many mistakes during the process. Nothing was done correctly and inaccurate severance pay is only a consequence.
5. In your experience, do you feel that Black employees were treated differently compared to other employees during the layoff process?
No, since no one impacted was treated with respect or dignity.
6. What impact do you think these layoffs and reduced severance pay may have on the wider Black community?
Yes, many canceled grants and programs that were funded by NIH disproportionately impacts marginalized communities.
7. Have you been able to access any support services or resources following your layoff? If so, what has been your experience?
Yes, many communities and laid off Federal Employee have created support group. My own county sponsored an hiring fair.
8. Do you feel that your voices and concerns have been heard throughout this process? Why or why not?
No, HR and EEO people were laid off as well
Echo News TV LLC Legal Analysis
By Karen Brittingham-Edmond, Echo News TV LLC Editor Publisher
AA. P.R., A.S. H.S., Cert C.R.C., B.A. Psych
The mass layoffs orchestrated by the temporary Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), overseen by Elon Musk, which resulted in the termination of over 300,000 American federal workers, raise profound legal and ethical concerns. The reduction-in-force (RIF) at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) was characterized by a lack of transparency, rushed procedures, and poor communication—most notably, the insensitive timing of layoff notifications and the mishandling of severance pay. https://www.newsweek.com/us-hits-highest-layoffs-since-covid-2111794
The disproportionate impact on women of color, particularly those in Human Resources and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) roles, suggests potential grounds for claims of disparate impact discrimination under federal civil rights laws, even in the absence of explicit intent. Furthermore, the reduction in severance pay and the failure to adhere to established RIF protocols may constitute breaches of employment agreements and federal employment protections. The simultaneous elimination of HR and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) staff further eroded affected employees’ ability to seek support or redress, compounding the harm.
The broader consequences for marginalized communities—exacerbated by the cancellation of National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants and programs—may also carry legal implications if these actions are found to have a discriminatory effect or violate statutory protections for federally funded initiatives.
In summary, the layoffs executed by DOGE may be subject to legal challenge on the grounds of procedural impropriety, potential discrimination, and breach of employment rights. The lack of respect and due process afforded to all employees, regardless of race, underscores the urgent need for accountability and the pursuit of legal remedies for those affected.
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