In a historic legal victory, Harris safeguarded the independence of the federal civil service and upheld the rule of law against partisan overreach.

Profiles in Courage is a new series honoring the extraordinary women and men who have transformed American institutions through principled public service. At a time when trust in government is fragile, these stories offer a powerful reminder of what ethical leadership looks like—from those who litigate for civil rights and resign on principle, to those who break military barriers and defend democracy on the front lines.

This month, we spotlight women in the Department of Justice, federal agencies and the military whose careers have been defined by integrity, resilience and reform. Their quiet heroism—often at personal cost—reaffirms the enduring role of public servants who choose justice over self-interest. Through their stories, Ms. pays tribute to a tradition of service that safeguards democracy and inspires the next generation to lead with courage.

As chair and board member of the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), Cathy Harris dedicated her leadership to preserving the independence and integrity of the federal civil service, ensuring that government employees are hired, promoted and protected based on merit—not politics.

Appointed by President Joe Biden and confirmed by the Senate, Harris was entrusted with a seven-year term set to expire in 2028.

But on President Donald Trump’s first day back in office in 2025, Harris was demoted from her role as chair, and just weeks later, she was fired entirely from the board—a direct violation of the Civil Service Reform Act, which protects MSPB members from removal except for cause, such as inefficiency, neglect of duty or malfeasance.

Harris received no such allegation. Instead, her removal came via a two-sentence email, dismissing her without explanation or legal justification.

A Fierce Defender of Employee Rights

The MSPB plays a critical, often overlooked role in protecting federal employees from politically motivated firings.

The MSPB’s work becomes even more vital in times of mass layoffs—precisely the type of widespread firings initiated by the Trump administration upon returning to office. Harris understood the urgency of her role, warning that without a functioning MSPB, federal workers facing wrongful termination would have nowhere to turn.

Determined to defend the independence of the board and the rights of federal employees, Harris sued the administration, arguing that her removal violated both federal law and 90 years of Supreme Court precedent protecting the independence of quasi-judicial agencies like the MSPB.

“The MSPB’s ability to protect the civil service is needed now more than ever,” Harris wrote in the lawsuit.

Victory for the Rule of Law

In a landmark ruling, U.S. District Judge Rudolph Contreras sided with Harris, declaring her firing unlawful and ordering her immediate reinstatement as chair of the MSPB. The court found that federal law explicitly protects MSPB members from arbitrary removal, ensuring that the Board’s independence cannot be undermined by political whims.

“Federal law prevents the President from removing members of the MSPB without cause,” Contreras wrote. “The President’s attempt to terminate Harris was unlawful.”

The court’s decision not only reinstated Harris to her rightful position, but also preserved the ability of the MSPB to function. Without Harris, the board would have lost its quorum, leaving it unable to hear appeals or issue rulings—a deliberate outcome sought by those intent on dismantling civil service protections.

A Defining Stand for Democracy and Public Service

Following her victory, Harris made clear that her fight was not about personal vindication—it was about protecting the fundamental principles of fairness, accountability, and nonpartisan public service that underpin the federal workforce.

“All I want to do is the job Congress asked me to do,” Harris said. “And I’m glad the court has ruled on just how illegal Donald Trump’s action has been.”

Committed to defending the Constitution and the independence of federal oversight, Harris has vowed to take her fight all the way to the Supreme Court if necessary to prevent future administrations from eroding the critical safeguards protecting public servants from political retaliation.

A Legacy of Leadership and Courage

Through her courageous stand, Cathy Harris has done more than secure her own reinstatement—she has strengthened the legal foundation that protects millions of federal employees, ensuring that merit, not political loyalty, remains the guiding principle of public service.

Her unwavering commitment to the rule of law, institutional integrity, and the rights of public servants has cemented her legacy as a true champion for the civil service and a guardian of democracy itself.

For her extraordinary courage, leadership, and unflinching defense of fairness and accountability, Cathy Harris is not just a public servant—she is a protector of the public trust.