EEOC Votes to End Employer Demographic Data Collection, Sparking Civil Rights Concerns
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), led by Republican appointees, has voted 2-1 to propose ending the requirement for employers to submit annual demographic data on race and sex, known as EEO-1 reporting. This requirement, in place since 1966, has been a key tool in enforcing civil rights laws in the workplace. The proposal, which also affects unions, state and local governments, and public schools, will enter a 30-day public comment period before final approval. EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas, appointed by President Trump, argues that the data collection is costly and unnecessary, suggesting it may even promote discrimination against majority groups. However, the move has been criticized by civil rights groups and the sole Democratic commissioner, Kalpana Kotagal, who argue it undermines efforts to combat workplace discrimination. 
