12.15.20

Chairman Scott to EEOC Chair Dhillon: Removing Litigation Authority from Agency Attorneys Will Delay the Administration of Justice

WASHINGTON – Today, Chairman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) expressed deep concern to Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Chair Janet Dhillon regarding the plan to limit the EEOC attorneys’ authority. Under this proposal, all lawsuits must first be subject to a Commission vote before they can be filed, which could significantly delay and hinder the enforcement of civil rights laws. The Commission attempted the vote in July 2019, but it was ultimately withdrawn.  

“This change will significantly delay the administration of justice.  Additionally, taking litigation filing authority away from attorneys familiar with the cases is likely to lead to decisions being made based more on a political agenda rather than the merits of any case,” wrote Chairman Scott.

In the letter, Chairman Scott requests data and analysis the Commission used when drafting this proposal; a list of stakeholders consulted;  an outline of the process for referring cases under this proposal; and any additional actions the Commission plans to take between now and the end of the year.

To read the full letter, click here. 

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