NAACP Celebrates Legal Win in CFPB Mass Layoffs Lawsuit, Court Reinstates Protections for Employees
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 30, 2025
Contact: Chyna Fields, cfields@naacpnet.org
WASHINGTON — This week, in a significant legal victory, a D.C. federal circuit court ruled in favor of the NAACP's lawsuit on behalf of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and its employees in National Treasury Employees Union, et al. v. Russell T. Vought.
This ruling prevents the wholesale firing of CFPB employees – those who work toward the Bureau's vital mission of protecting consumers from predatory financial practices. It reinstates protections for employees who would otherwise be victims of mass layoffs: "Defendants shall not terminate any CFPB employee, except for cause related to the individual employee's performance or conduct; and defendants shall not issue any notice of reduction-in-force to any CFPB employee."
"This ruling affirms what we've long said — protecting the CFPB and its employees is protecting the people," said Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP. "The decision ensures that those committed to fighting for vulnerable communities can continue that work without fear of politically motivated retaliation. We're proud to stand on the frontlines in the fight to protect Black consumers and other marginalized groups from exploitation."
The NAACP filed the original lawsuit earlier this year in response to efforts that threatened to undermine the CFPB's critical function. The Bureau is responsible for regulating financial institutions and protecting consumers — particularly Black, elderly, and other vulnerable populations — from systemic bias and financial harm.
"The CFPB has long served as a critical line of defense against discriminatory financial practices," said Keisha Bross, NAACP Director Opportunity, Race and Justice. "We cannot allow political agendas to erode an institution built to ensure fairness and accountability in the financial sector."
The NAACP will continue to fight to protect Americans from harmful and discriminatory financial practices and remains committed to holding this administration and future administrations accountable to the people they swore an oath to serve. Learn more about the NAACP's work to build an inclusive economy here.
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About NAACP
The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.
NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.