EEOC Issues Guidance On DEI-Related Discrimination At Work

On March 19, 2025, the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ("EEOC") released two documents to inform employers and employees how civil rights laws apply to diversity, equity, and inclusion ("DEI") policies, programs and practices in the workplace.

A one-page technical assistance document, "What to Do If You Experience Discrimination Related to DEI at Work,"provides basic information on recognizing and addressing DEI-related discrimination. It notes "DEI policies, programs, or practices may be unlawful if they involve an employer or other covered entity taking an employment action motivated—in whole or in part—by an employee's race, sex, or another protected characteristic." A more detailed question-and-answer technical assistance document, "What You Should Know About DEI-Related Discrimination at Work," serves as a roadmap on how the EEOC will apply Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 ("Title VII") to DEI initiatives and outlines the process for