Impact of Policy Changes on Civil Rights Cases

Background of Kenni Miller’s Case

Kenni Miller was employed as a shift manager at Sheetz, a convenience store in Altoona, Pennsylvania. As a Black man, he initially experienced trust and appreciation at work, uncommon feelings for him in the workplace. However, his employment was terminated a few weeks later in the summer of 2020 following a background check. This check revealed a nonviolent felony drug conviction from his teenage years, leading to his dismissal despite his proven capability to perform the job.

Participation in a Class-Action Lawsuit

In 2024, Miller participated in a class-action lawsuit against Sheetz initiated by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (E.E.O.C.). The lawsuit alleged that Sheetz’s criminal background checks disproportionately excluded candidates of color from employment opportunities. His involvement aimed to address the broader issue of racial disparity in employment policies.

Policy Shift Under the Trump Administration

Following President Trump’s inauguration, the E.E.O.C. dropped the case. This decision was influenced by an executive order from President Trump instructing federal agencies to “deprioritize” cases similar to Miller’s. The order targeted not intentional discrimination but policies causing an unintentional “disparate impact” on minority groups.

Consequences for Civil Rights Cases

The executive directive affected civil rights case handling across multiple federal departments, including education, housing, trade, justice, and the E.E.O.C. The exact number of closed cases is unknown, creating a significant gap in civil rights enforcement as reported by legal advocates. This period is marked by a notable absence of generational progress in civil rights enforcement.