By David Rowland and Sarah Bauman

Seyfarth Synopsis: In a wide-ranging opinion on pivotal ADA and EEOC jurisdictional issues, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania in EEOC v. Geisinger Health, et al. called mostly strikes against the EEOC at the motion to dismiss stage, with two exceptions.  Most notably, the EEOC was permitted to pursue

Continue Reading Geisinger Prevails 4-2 Against EEOC in Pennsylvania Federal Court, Leaving Anomalous ADA Title V Claim Ripe For Summary Judgment

By Sam Schwartz-Fenwick and Adam J. Rongo

Seyfarth Synopsis: The EEOC published guidance to provide clarity on its interpretation of Title VII protections for LGBTQ+ employees in the wake of the landmark case Bostock v. Clayton County, GA. A recent decision by a federal district court in Texas rejected the EEOC’s interpretation and resulting policies.

On June 15

Continue Reading What Does Bostock Mean? Texas Judge Tosses EEOC Guidance Interpreting the Landmark Title VII Ruling that Protects LGBTQ+ Employees

By Christopher J. DeGroffSarah K. Bauman, and James P. Nasiri

Seyfarth Synopsis: Last year was one of change and recovery for the EEOC as a result of the pandemic and new leadership.  With the new leadership regime and structural changes at the EEOC came an uptick in filings from FY 2021, with nearly half of those

Continue Reading EEOC Fiscal Year-End Filings Eerily Quiet: Litigation Fizzle Or Calm Before The Storm?

By Annette TymanChristy Kiely, and Michelle Mellinger

Seyfarth Synopsis. The Center for Investigative Reporting has issued a FOIA request to the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (“OFCCP”) for all Type 2 Consolidated EEO-1 Reports filed by federal contractors from 2016-2020.  Contractors have a 30-day period in which to file objections to the disclosure of their Type
Continue Reading EEO-1 Reports of Federal Contractors to be Released by OFCCP Absent Employer Action

By Erin Dougherty Foley and Kimberly Shen, Summer Fellow

Seyfarth Synopsis: On July 14, 2022, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit affirmed summary judgment in an Americans With Disabilities Act discrimination and retaliation case filed by an employee with multiple sclerosis. In rejecting the plaintiff’s claims, the Court’s decision points to the importance of employers having
Continue Reading Seventh Circuit Decision Highlights the Importance of Designing a Legally Compliant PTO Policy

By Samantha L. BrooksKarla Grossenbacher, and A. Scott Hecker

Seyfarth Synopsis: On July 12, 2022, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission issued updated guidance for employers on the interplay of workplace bias laws and COVID-19 workplace testing, vaccinations, and other return-to-work issues, including reasonable accommodations and access to employees’ confidential medical information.  Employers continue to face these
Continue Reading In Policy Pivot, EEOC Revises Pandemic Guidance To Move Away From A “Direct Threat” Analysis and Focus on “Business Necessity” As Employers Return Employees To The Workplace

By Kimberly Shen (Summer Fellow) and Timothy M. Rusche

Seyfarth Synopsis: On May 31, 2022, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit affirmed summary judgment in the employer’s favor on Title VII race discrimination and work retaliation claims filed by a Black dental assistant. In rejecting the plaintiff’s claims, the Court highlights the importance of documenting employee
Continue Reading Seventh Circuit Reaffirms the Importance of Identifying a Proper Comparator in Discrimination Claims

By Andrew L. Scroggins and Alex W. Karasik

Seyfarth Synopsis:  While businesses have shifted their operations to digital platforms over the last few decades, the COVID-19 pandemic has greatly accelerated the transformation of the workplace. One area where employers have looked to increase the efficiency of their hiring processes is through the use of artificial intelligence. The EEOC has been

Continue Reading A Look Into The Future: EEOC Announces Artificial Intelligence Initiative

By Matthew J. Gagnon and Tyler Z. Zmick

Seyfarth SynopsisFollowing the March 8, 2021 Executive Order establishing the White House Gender Policy Council, on October 22, 2021 the White House released the first-ever U.S. Government National Strategy on Gender Equity and Equality. The EEOC contributed to the Strategy and supports its full implementation, suggesting that gender-related issues –
Continue Reading White House Releases First-Ever “National Strategy On Gender Equity And Equality”

By Gerald L. Maatman, Jr.Christopher DeGroffMatthew J. Gagnon, and Alex S. Oxyer

Seyfarth Synopsis: The EEOC recently released its enforcement and litigation statistics for Fiscal Year 2020. Notably, the statistics indicate that 2020 saw a dramatic drop in filed charges, with the lowest number of charges filed in over 20 years. For example, despite
Continue Reading A Peek Behind The Numbers: The EEOC’s Enforcement Statistics Show Fewer Charges Filed In 2020, While Recoveries Surged