Summary

Karen Ortiz, an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) administrative judge, defied Trump administration policies limiting LGBTQ+ protections by urging colleagues to resist “illegal mandates.”

After sending a mass email criticizing leadership, her email was deleted, and she faced disciplinary action.

Ortiz’s stand gained widespread online support but little public backing from colleagues, who fear retaliation. Experts say federal employees often stay silent to protect their jobs.

Ortiz, prepared for potential fallout, sees her actions as protected whistleblower activity and remains committed to civil rights advocacy, regardless of her job security.