An NSA data scientist has filed a discrimination lawsuit against the agency's leadership. Sarah O'Neill, who is transgender, claims the National Security Agency fostered a hostile work environment by revoking policies that protected her gender identity. The complaint states she was barred from using women's restrooms and prohibited from including her pronouns in official emails.
These changes at the NSA implemented a broader executive order from earlier this year that established a federal policy recognizing only two sexes. O'Neill's legal filing argues these actions violate civil rights law banning sex discrimination in federal employment, citing a Supreme Court precedent that includes gender identity under that protection. She is asking for damages and a court declaration that the policies are unlawful.
The current administration has not commented on the suit. This follows previous bans on transgender military service and a Defense Department directive to eliminate all traces of gender ideology in compliance with the same executive order.
These changes at the NSA implemented a broader executive order from earlier this year that established a federal policy recognizing only two sexes. O'Neill's legal filing argues these actions violate civil rights law banning sex discrimination in federal employment, citing a Supreme Court precedent that includes gender identity under that protection. She is asking for damages and a court declaration that the policies are unlawful.
The current administration has not commented on the suit. This follows previous bans on transgender military service and a Defense Department directive to eliminate all traces of gender ideology in compliance with the same executive order.
