EEOC Female Manager's Bias Suit Over Promotion Ends in Mistrial

Judge declares mistrial in lawsuit alleging sex discrimination in EEOC hiring decision

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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A Louisiana federal judge declared a mistrial on Monday in a sex discrimination lawsuit against the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) by a female acting field director who was denied promotion to the permanent position. The Title VII lawsuit challenged the EEOC's decision to hire a male candidate with less experience than the plaintiff, Uma Kandan, when filling the New Orleans field director opening.

Why it matters

The case highlights ongoing concerns about gender bias and discrimination in hiring and promotion decisions, even within government agencies tasked with enforcing anti-discrimination laws. The mistrial means the case will likely be retried, prolonging the legal battle over the EEOC's hiring practices.

The details

US Magistrate Judge Eva J. Dossier had previously denied the EEOC's motion for summary judgment, ruling that a jury could find the agency's explanation for selecting a Black man with extensive military experience, but shorter tenure at the EEOC, was pretext for sex discrimination against the female plaintiff. The mistrial was declared after the jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict.

  • The lawsuit was filed in 2025.
  • The judge denied the EEOC's summary judgment motion in September 2025.
  • The mistrial was declared on February 9, 2026.

The players

Uma Kandan

A female acting field director at the EEOC who filed a sex discrimination lawsuit after being denied promotion to the permanent field director position in New Orleans.

US Magistrate Judge Eva J. Dossier

The judge who denied the EEOC's motion for summary judgment, ruling that a jury could find the agency's hiring decision was pretext for sex discrimination.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

The federal agency responsible for enforcing civil rights laws against workplace discrimination, which was sued by one of its own female managers for sex discrimination in a hiring decision.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.