A Transportation Security Administration officer in Virginia has launched a legal battle against the Department of Homeland Security, alleging discrimination based on her transgender status. Danielle Mittereder, a TSA officer at Dulles International Airport, argues a recent policy change fundamentally undermines her rights and career.
The core of the dispute centers on a new rule dictating that TSA agents can only conduct pat-down searches on passengers who share their assigned sex at birth. This means male officers screen male passengers, and female officers screen female passengers – regardless of an officer’s gender identity.
Prior to February, TSA operated under a 2021 directive that assigned work based on an officer’s affirmed gender identity. The shift represents a dramatic departure, directly impacting transgender officers like Mittereder and their ability to fully perform their duties.
The policy change stems from an executive order issued in January, which narrowly defines sex as biological and assigned at conception. This order effectively disregards the lived experiences and legal recognition of transgender individuals within the federal government.
Mittereder’s lawsuit details how the new restrictions extend beyond pat-down procedures. She is now barred from serving as a required witness during private screenings, a crucial aspect of her role, and faces limitations regarding restroom access.
The complaint alleges these restrictions actively impede Mittereder’s professional advancement, blocking her access to promotions and specialized training opportunities. Each workday, she contends, her identity is subjected to unnecessary and intrusive scrutiny.
Her attorney has sharply criticized the policy, labeling it “terribly demeaning and 100% illegal.” The lawsuit argues the policy not only hinders Mittereder’s career but also creates a hostile work environment.
In response to concerns about potential discrimination, a Homeland Security spokesperson defended the policy, questioning whether travelers would be comfortable being screened by an officer who doesn’t align with their assigned sex at birth. The statement framed the issue as prioritizing “comfort and safety” over recognizing transgender identities.
The case raises profound questions about the intersection of federal policy, transgender rights, and workplace equality. It highlights the tangible impact of restrictive policies on individuals and their ability to contribute fully to their professions.
Mittereder’s lawsuit seeks to dismantle the discriminatory policy and restore her rights as a TSA officer, challenging the government’s narrow definition of sex and its implications for transgender employees.
