Correspondence

Dear Chair Yang and Commissioners Barker, Feldblum, and Lipnic:

On March 6, 2014, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued a publication entitled “Religious Garb and Grooming in the Workplace: Rights and Responsibilities” and an accompanying fact sheet.  Among other things, this enforcement guidance describes employers’ obligation to accommodate employees’ and potential employees’ religious practices.  

EEOC relies on such publications in enforcing federal nondiscrimination law. We previously have raised concerns about the agency issuing new enforcement guidance without first allowing the public to submit comments.  Input from the public is essential to EEOC in informing its enforcement practices, alerting the commission to potential problems, and enhancing the transparency and credibility of the agency.

To read the full letter to Chair Yang and Commissioners Barker, Feldblum, and Lipnic, click here.

To read the EEOC's response, click here.

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