EEOC holds public hearing on pandemic's impact on civil rights

On April 28, 2021, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) held a virtual public hearing on the impact of COVID-19 on civil rights in the workforce (https://bit.ly/2RyuZIl). According to Chair Charlotte Burrows, the testimony provided evidence that the pandemic has created a "civil rights crisis" for many of America's workers. For more information on the hearing, see the article on page 3.

Sonderling urges EEOC to issue guidance

In comments to an employer association, EEOC Commissioner Keith Sonderling urged the agency to consider issuing guidance that addresses COVID-19 issues that are unique to specific industries, saying it would help employers make decisions without wondering if their actions are lawful. Sonderling said the pandemic has raised numerous "challenging questions" about how employers can both limit infections from occurring at work while also protecting employees' rights under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other federal antidiscrimination statutes and that the public "will continue to look to the commission for COVID-19 related guidance and answers."

Sonderling went on to say: