Top Democrats Urge EEOC to Immediately Reverse Field Office Closures
Concerning Reports Detail EEOC Office Closures in Seven States Could Potentially Expose Workers to Discrimination
WASHINGTON – Top Democrats sent a letter to Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Acting Chair Andrea Lucas following alarming reports that the Commission unilaterally terminated leases at eight field offices.
The letter sent by Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott, House Committee on Education and Workforce, and Reps. Shomari Figures (AL-02), Deborah K. Ross (NC-02), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Alma S. Adams (NC-12), and Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), who represent Districts where there is an office closure.
Terminating the leases of EEOC field offices across the country is a direct violation of the EEOC’s own policies and procedures and will hurt workers’ ability to seek the EEOC’s help in resolving discrimination issues at their workplaces.
“We strongly urge you to reverse course on any plan to terminate leases at EEOC’s field offices. These offices serve as the local connection to the EEOC for their communities and are the first line of contact for employees or applicants seeking redress for alleged discrimination and employers seeking assistance with complying with the law,” wrote the Members.
The Members continued, “It is also deeply concerning that these unilateral actions are being taken at a time when the Agency lacks a quorum. In 2006, the Commission approved an EEOC Order stating: ‘The Commission shall approve the establishment of and changes to jurisdictional boundaries of any EEOC field activity. No jurisdictional boundaries can be established or changed even temporarily, without Commission approval.’”
These unexpected office closures come after the unlawful and unprecedented termination of Commissioners Charlotte Burrows and Jocelyn Samuels from the EEOC. Taken together, these actions signal to workers and employers that civil rights enforcement will no longer be a priority for the federal government.
To read the full letter, click here.
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