Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) joined House Committee on Education and Workforce Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) and other members in calling on the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to reverse its plan to unilaterally terminate leases at eight field offices, including in Raleigh and Greensboro.

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.