EEOC sues Washington University over alleged retaliation against Black employee

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has filed a lawsuit against Washington University in St. Louis, alleging the university retaliated against a Black employee for opposing race discrimination.

The plaintiff, Amega Thaier, served as a senior program manager at the university’s Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center. According to the suit, Thaier reported that she was separated from her white colleagues during a mandatory diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training session provided by the university’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Following her internal complaints and a subsequent charge filed with the EEOC in July 2025, Thaier alleges that her supervisors transferred her responsibilities to other staff members. Her position was eventually eliminated in November 2025, resulting in her termination. The EEOC contends these actions violate Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits retaliation against workers who oppose workplace discrimination.