HHS Faces Backlash After Official Portrait of Dr. Rachel Levine Shows Birth Name
FILE - In this May 29, 2020, file photo, Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine, meets with the media at The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) headquarters in Harrisburg, Pa. As a transgender woman, Levine has been subject to an endless stream of mockery and abuse on social media and elsewhere. (Joe Hermitt/The Patriot-News via AP)
Health and Human Services (HHS) is facing criticism following reports that an official portrait of Assistant Secretary for Health Dr. Rachel Levine displays her birth name, reflecting a decision made during the previous government shutdown.
According to news reports, the nameplate beneath Dr. Levine’s official portrait has been changed from her current professional title to reference her former surname, which some view as discriminatory and potentially bigoted.
Dr. Levine is a prominent figure in the U.S. public health sector, having served with distinction during her tenure at HHS.
The change reportedly occurred during the federal government shutdown this past fall. An HHS spokesperson confirmed that the agency has adjusted the portrait to revert to Levine’s maiden name following requests from certain conservative members of Congress.
This adjustment was made under pressure, as indicated by the statement issued by an administration official who emphasized their commitment to upholding correct scientific and medical standards.
Dr. Levine did not publicly address this specific change in her professional capacity, though she has been vocal about trans rights throughout her career.
A former advisor to Dr. Levine stated that the modification was likely orchestrated by political opponents with the intention of undermining her credibility due to concerns over gender identity.
This incident has ignited a debate surrounding government bureaucracy’s role in protecting employees’ dignity and challenging outdated naming conventions in public service.
