March 14, 2025 Story by: Editor
Sheria Smith is an attorney with the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) in Dallas, where she works to uphold federal civil rights laws in education. Originally from Gary, Indiana, Smith comes from a family with strong ties to the United Steel Workers, instilling in her a deep sense of advocacy and justice from an early age.
Smith pursued higher education at Harvard University before earning her law degree from The University of Texas School of Law. Her professional journey before joining OCR was diverse—she worked as a fifth-grade teacher, clerked for two federal judges, and spent six years practicing employment and commercial litigation with both local and international law firms.
In November 2016, she joined the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, where she has been committed to protecting students’ rights and ensuring compliance with federal anti-discrimination laws. Shortly after, in January 2017, Smith became actively involved with the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), demonstrating her dedication to workers’ rights within federal agencies. She served as local president of former Dallas Local 3897, acting president of Local 252, and participated in the Texas AFL-CIO Ruth Ellinger Labor Leaders class.
Smith strongly believes in the power of collective action among bargaining unit employees to uphold the Department of Education’s mission in a way that benefits all citizens. Her leadership in both civil rights and labor advocacy reflects her commitment to ensuring a fair, equitable, and effective education system for all.
Additional Insights:
- Smith’s tenure at OCR coincided with significant shifts in federal civil rights enforcement, particularly under different presidential administrations, affecting policies on discrimination in education.
- Her union leadership has been particularly crucial in protecting employee rights during times of federal workforce restructuring and budget cuts.
- With her background in both education and law, Smith brings a unique perspective to civil rights enforcement, making her an important advocate for students, educators, and federal employees alike.
Her work continues to play a vital role in upholding educational equity and workplace fairness, making her a key figure in both civil rights law and labor movements.
Source: AFGE Local 252
