Shortly after taking office, President Trump swiftly reshaped the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), with changes that were, frankly, anticipated by employment lawyers who have watched the pendulum swing with each new administration. He dismissed the agency’s General Counsel, a move that many anticipated. However, his decision to remove two sitting EEOC Commissioners, Jocelyn Samuels and Charlotte Burrows — years before their terms were set to expire — sent shockwaves through the agency.
Currently, with only 2 of the 5 commissioner positions filled, the EEOC lacks the quorum needed to enact new regulations or issue legal guidance. However, the agency continues to investigate and resolve discrimination complaints.
The current Acting Chair has already outlined an aggressive new agenda, including:
- Combatting DEI-related race and sex discrimination
- Protecting workers from anti-American national origin discrimination
- Defending biological and binary rights, including women’s rights in single-sex spaces at work
- Strengthening protections against religious bias, including antisemitism
Once the EEOC regains a quorum, expect swift and decisive action to reshape or rescind workplace discrimination laws, including possibly rescinding the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, and enforcement protections for gender identity and sexual orientation harassment.
As these new laws and guidance are released, RKW Law Group will provide important updates.
