U.S. Senate Confirms New Member of EEOC Commission

Written By Digital Content Editor Thomas Ahearn

On July 13, 2023, the United States Senate voted 49 to 47 (with four Senators not voting) to confirm the nomination of Kalpana Kotagal to be a member of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Commission for a term expiring July 1, 2027, according to information available on the U.S. Senate website. 

“A highly-acclaimed employment and civil rights plaintiffs’ litigator, Ms. Kotagal represents women and other disenfranchised people in employment and civil rights class actions, involving often cutting-edge issues related to the Title VII, Equal Pay Act, (and) the Americans with Disabilities Act,” her professional biography states.

The EEOC is responsible for enforcing federal laws that make it illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or an employee because of the person’s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and related conditions, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

Most employers with at least 15 employees are covered by EEOC laws (20 employees in age discrimination cases). Most labor unions and employment agencies are also covered. The laws apply to all types of work situations, including hiring, firing, promotions, harassment, training, wages, and benefits.

The EEOC Commission is a bipartisan Commission comprised of five presidentially appointed members, including the Chair, Vice Chair, and three Commissioners. Current members include Chair Charlotte A. Burrows, Vice Chair Jocelyn Samuels, Commissioner Keith E. Sonderling, and Commissioner Andrea R. Lucas.

Employment Screening Resources (ESR) is a service offering of ClearStar, a leading global Human Resources technology company specializing in background checks, drug testing, and occupational health screening. ClearStar helps employers understand EEOC guidelines for workforce screening. To learn more, contact ClearStar.

NOTE: Employment Screening Resources (ESR) – a service offering of ClearStar – does not provide or offer legal services or legal advice of any kind or nature. Any information on this website is for educational purposes only.

© 2023 Employment Screening Resources (ESR) – A Service Offering of ClearStar – Making copies of or using any part of the ESR News Blog or ESR website for any purpose other than your own personal use is prohibited unless written authorization is first obtained from ESR.

Share on Social Media