Neonu Jewell, the former Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer and EEO Director at the U.S. Development Finance Corporation (DFC), has filed suit against the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the DFC. Jewell alleges that she was unlawfully placed on administrative leave and later terminated without severance, in violation of the Administrative Procedure Act, the First Amendment, and the Fifth Amendment. Jewell alleges that her classification as a “DEIA employee” was inaccurate and stigmatizing, and that her termination violated her rights to free speech, due process, and equal protection. She further claims she was denied reassignment and severance benefits provided to similarly situated employees, and that DFC’s actions were retaliatory and based on her perceived political views.
