Well, folks, the Department of Health and Human Services just tossed a grenade into the culture war arena with a move that’s sure to spark heated debate.
In a decision that’s got tongues wagging, HHS has altered the official portrait of former Biden administration official Rachel Levine, replacing her chosen name with her birth name, Richard Levine, right amid a government shutdown, Fox News reported.
Levine, a trailblazer as the first transgender person confirmed by the Senate, served as assistant secretary for health and earned the rank of admiral during her tenure.
Before the federal shutdown took effect, Levine’s portrait at HHS bore her adopted name, a reflection of her public identity and service.
Post-shutdown, however, that plaque was quietly updated to display her birth name, a change that’s ignited accusations of prejudice from Levine’s supporters.
HHS defended this shift with a rationale rooted in what they term a commitment to “gold standard science” and a focus on “biological reality” in public health policy.
“Our priority is ensuring that the information presented internally and externally by HHS reflects gold standard science,” stated HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon.
“We remain committed to reversing harmful policies enacted by Levine and ensuring that biological reality guides our approach to public health,” Nixon added. While science should indeed anchor health policy, one can’t help but question if a nameplate swap is the most pressing issue on their docket.
Levine’s camp, unsurprisingly, didn’t mince words in response, with her spokesperson labeling the action as outright bias.
“During the federal shutdown, the current leadership of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health changed Admiral Levine’s photo to remove her current legal name and use a prior name,” Adrian Shanker, a spokesman for Levine, told NPR.
Shanker further described the move as an act “of bigotry against her.” It’s a serious accusation, and while the intent behind the change can be debated, it’s tough to see this as anything but a pointed statement on identity.
Levine herself opted for brevity, telling NPR, “I’m not going to comment on this type of petty action.”
Levine’s time in office wasn’t without friction, especially over her advocacy for transgender medical interventions and hormone blockers for minors, a stance many conservatives view as a risky overstep.
Back in 2023, she stood firm, arguing these measures are vital health care and a shield against suicide, a position that resonates with compassion but alarms critics who see insufficient evidence for such broad policies.
While empathy for struggling individuals must guide us, the rush to endorse complex treatments for children raises valid concerns about long-term consequences, leaving a divide that’s not easily bridged.
