A Controversial Pick for Civil Rights Leadership

Former President Donald Trump has named attorney Harmeet Dhillon as his choice to lead the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice if he wins re-election. Known for her staunch opposition to transgender rights and “woke” initiatives, Dhillon has a history of legal battles against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts.

As co-chair of “Lawyers for Trump,” Dhillon challenged the 2020 election results and represented high-profile cases like that of Chloe Cole, a detransitioner suing Kaiser Permanente. Trump lauded her as a defender of “civil liberties,” citing her legal fights against Big Tech, pandemic-era restrictions on religious gatherings, and corporate DEI policies.

The Mission of the Civil Rights Division

The Civil Rights Division plays a critical role in enforcing federal laws against discrimination, protecting voting rights, and investigating police misconduct. Under the Biden administration, the division has prioritized police department investigations, many of which are now being expedited before Trump potentially returns to office. During Trump’s first term, such investigations were scaled back, and he has pledged to grant broad immunity to law enforcement.

Dhillon would report to Trump’s pick for attorney general, Pam Bondi, another controversial figure known for her opposition to progressive policies, including marriage equality.

Dhillon’s Advocacy Against Transgender Rights

Harmeet Dhillon founded the Center for American Liberty, a legal organization focused on challenging transgender rights. Her group has filed lawsuits against schools supporting transgender students, opposed privacy protections for LGBTQ+ youth, and contested foster care policies requiring non-discrimination compliance.

In representing Chloe Cole, Dhillon accused Kaiser Permanente of engaging in unethical practices, framing the case as an example of financial exploitation through “woke ideology.” She stated: “What Kaiser did, for profit, to Chloe should not happen to any child in America.”

Online Advocacy and Criticism

Dhillon has also taken her anti-transgender rhetoric to social media, where she supports controversial figures like Chaya Raichik of Libs of TikTok, known for targeting LGBTQ+ organizations. Dhillon has even called for making gender-affirming healthcare facilities “unsafe” to operate.

Her nomination has sparked widespread debate, with critics questioning how her views align with the Civil Rights Division’s mission to promote equality and fight discrimination. Despite the backlash, Dhillon expressed excitement for the role, calling it a “dream come true.”

Stay informed about this developing story and explore how it impacts LGBTQ+ rights by reading the full article.