A leading CDC officer steps down, ending their tenure with a bold stand as expressed in their resignation correspondence.

CDC Director's Ousting Sparks Outcry Among Employees

In a series of high-profile resignations, three top officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have stepped down in solidarity with former director, Susan Monarez. Monarez was dismissed by President Trump last week, with Vice President Mike Pence's advisor, Robert F. Kennedy Jr, reportedly calling for her resignation.

Monarez's attorneys argue that her ousting is symbolic of larger issues within the federal government, including the dismantling of public health institutions and the politicization of science. The controversy surrounding her dismissal reached a boiling point this week, as hundreds of CDC workers staged a walkout in Atlanta in support of Monarez.

During the walkout, the employees honoured Monarez, who was chosen to replace a Republican congressman, Dave Weldon, who was criticized for his views on vaccines and autism. Monarez, who was confirmed by the Senate in July as the CDC director, positioned herself as an ardent supporter of vaccines during her confirmation hearing, in contrast with Kennedy, who has spread conspiracy theories about vaccines causing autism.

One of the top officials to resign was Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, former chief of immunizations at the CDC. In his resignation letter, Dr. Daskalakis included his pronouns and the term 'pregnant people,' which had been banned by the Trump administration. Dr. Daskalakis stated that the recent changes in the immunization schedule threaten the lives of the youngest Americans and pregnant people.

Dr. Daskalakis countered White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt's statement that his use of certain terms meant he is 'not someone we want in this administration anyway.' Dr. Daskalakis made it clear that he was rebelling against his former bosses by his actions.

Dr. Jennifer Layden, a top official at the CDC, has also resigned in solidarity. In emails to her colleagues announcing her departure, Dr. Layden criticized Kennedy for his vaccine policy overhaul and his stance on vaccines. Monarez and Layden clashed with Kennedy over his vaccine scepticism, with Monarez maintaining a strong stance in support of vaccines.

Dr. Monarez has not formally been fired, according to her attorneys, and she has not resigned. It remains to be seen what the future holds for the CDC and its leadership, as the controversy surrounding Monarez's dismissal continues to unfold.

A leading CDC officer steps down, ending their tenure with a bold stand as expressed in their resignation correspondence.