VA Policy Removes Key Anti-Discrimination Protections

A new policy at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, enacted in response to a January executive order by former President Donald Trump titled 'Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government,' has stripped anti-discrimination protections for veterans and staff based on marital status, political affiliation, national origin, and union activity. The order primarily targeted transgender protections but also resulted in broader changes to VA non-discrimination rules. While federal law still requires equal treatment regardless of race, color, religion, or sex, the VA now allows staff to refuse care and hospitals to deny employment based on the newly unprotected categories. Critics, including medical ethicists and advocacy groups, warn the changes enable discrimination against vulnerable groups, such as unmarried veterans, Democrats, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others. VA officials have described the updates as procedural, but experts argue they undermine ethical medical standards and risk harm to both veterans and employees. The policy affects a wide range of healthcare professionals within the VA system.