ARLINGTON, Va. - The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's acting chief Andrea Lucas has initiated controversial measures targeting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs, aligning with President Trump's anti-DEI campaign [1][2].

Lucas, recently nominated for a five-year commissioner term, issued two technical assistance documents with the Department of Justice outlining potential DEI-related workplace discrimination. She also sent unprecedented information demands to 20 prominent law firms regarding their diversity programs [3].

Former EEOC officials and civil rights groups have strongly challenged Lucas's authority to take such actions. A group of 10 former Democratic commissioners issued a counter-guidance Thursday, describing her interpretations as 'personal opinion' rather than official policy [4].

'This isn't how the EEOC works. No single commissioner — not even the Chair — has the authority to send threatening letters demanding private information from employers,' stated Noreen Farrell, director of Equal Rights Advocates [5].

The controversy extends beyond procedure. Lucas has dropped seven transgender discrimination lawsuits following a presidential order limiting gender recognition. Trump also recently dismissed two Democratic EEOC commissioners before their terms expired, breaking 60 years of bipartisan precedent [6].

While Lucas maintains she is identifying discriminatory DEI practices, former officials argue she is cherry-picking rare cases to discourage legitimate diversity initiatives. The targeted law firms have not publicly responded to her information demands, and the EEOC has not clarified whether they are legally obligated to comply [7].