Disability Lawsuit, Senior Living Facility
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 3, 2024

Senior Living Facility To Pay Former Employee $78K To Settle Age And Disability Lawsuit

Covenant Woods Senior Living in Columbus, Georgia, must pay 78-year-old Shirley Noble $78,000

A 78-year-old woman who worked at a retirement living facility has won a lawsuit filed by the EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) after the company that terminated her was sued for age and disability discrimination.

The EEOC announced that Covenant Woods Senior Living, LLC, and BrightSpace Senior Living, LLC, which own and operates Covenant Woods in Columbus, Georgia, have agreed to pay a $78,000 settlement to a woman who worked at the facility when she was terminated after she won an award as one of Covenant Woods’ employees of the year in 2022 (for 2021).

After a brief time in the hospital, the facility fired her after asking her how long she planned to work at the company and whether she needed to work. She was also asked if she would prefer to spend time traveling and being with family instead of working.

“Employers have a responsibility to evaluate an employee’s performance without regard to age if the employee is 40 and over, and without regard to an actual or perceived disability,” said Marcus G. Keegan, regional attorney for the EEOC’s Atlanta District Office, in a written statement. “The EEOC is pleased that through this early resolution, the former receptionist will be compensated and that Covenant Woods has agreed to take steps to ensure that it meets its obligations under the ADEA and the ADA going forward.”

CBS News identified the woman as Shirley Noble.

The EEOC said that Covenant Woods’s general manager told Noble that it has confidence in her ability to work because of her recent hospitalization. Although Noble expressed her desire to continue working, she was fired the next day and replaced by younger employees.

The agency said the alleged action violated the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The lawsuit was filed after a failure to reach a pre-litigation settlement through its administrative conciliation process.

“We at Covenant Woods and BrightSpace Senior Living resolved this case due to the cost of litigating it,” BrightSpace Chief Financial Officer Brian Hendricks said in a statement to CBS News. “We do not admit wrongdoing or discriminatory conduct as part of this resolution. Covenant Woods and BrightSpace Senior Living remain committed to compliance with all discrimination and labor and employment laws.”

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, South Africa
by Sharelle B. McNair

May 3, 2024

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens Makes Major Changes To His Administration’s Cabinet

Time to move on!

Atlanta’s Mayor Andre Dickens is moving some people out and around his cabinet after only serving two years. 

Between the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and city administration, Atlanta will see new faces in leadership departments across the growing city. Jan Lennon will move from deputy general manager of operations to temporary general manager, replacing Balram “B” Bheodari, who has worked at Hartsfield since 1999.

Stepping down on June 30, Bheodari will assist with the transition of power as Lennon will take over effective July 1. In a statement, the seasoned airport associate says he is “proud” of his work there — including facilitating the construction of the $1.3 billion fifth runway and the $1.4 billion international terminal. “I wish the best for my colleagues in Atlanta, and I have faith that Mayor Andre Dickens will achieve his vision of building Atlanta for the future and changing lives,” he said.

A permanent general manager has yet to be named, but Dickens hopes to change that before the end of 2024.

Atlanta Police Department’s Chief Administrative Officer, Peter Aman, will soon serve as the city’s chief strategy officer starting May 15. Reporting directly to Dickens, Aman’s responsibilities will begin with assisting the RM Clayton Water Reclamation Center, which treats over 120 million gallons of wastewater daily. 

Two of the most significant shifts can be seen between the Department of Public Works and the Department of Watershed Management: former public works commissioner Al. Wiggins Jr. began serving as the Department of Watershed Management commissioner on May 2. Wiggins is replacing longtime commissioner Mikita K. Browning, who has been with the city since 2011.

Kentorri Garmon, who previously served as the department’s director of innovation and performance management, is taking over as the interim commissioner of the Department of Public Works.

Lastly, LaChandra Burks, Atlanta’s deputy chief operating officer, will be stationed as the interim chief operating officer starting May 25. Replacing Lisa Benjamin, who Dickens cited as the reason behind the city’s 21% crime drop, has led city operations since 2022.

The two leading women worked together to improve the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department stations and airport operations.

The mayor highlighted his Moving Atlanta Forward agenda as partial reasoning for the changes. With four pillars — One Safe City, A City of Opportunity for All, A City Built For the Future, and Effective & Ethical Government —  Dickens said the plan isn’t just for the future but for the betterment of residents living there. “My vision for an Atlanta that has safe, healthy, and connected neighborhoods and access and opportunity for all residents is not a 10, 20, or 30-year goal,” Dickens said. 

“We are building for the future, but we also know we can make a difference in people’s lives. My Moving Atlanta Forward agenda has achievable action items, and we’ve seen that by bringing people together from the business, government, and nonprofit sectors, we can get more done faster.”

The mayor is also adjusting things in the court system. He appointed former co-director of the Safe & Stable Homes Project at the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation, Pierce Hand Seitz, to the City of Atlanta Municipal Court. Dickens celebrated his decision, citing Seitz’s background as an educator and his commitment to fair legal representation.

HBCUs, black graduates, college, what's next, parents, tips, jobs, career, mentor
by Ashlei Stevens

May 3, 2024

Notable Speakers Take Center Stage at HBCU Commencements

A memorable component of graduation day at college is the featured speaker.

This year, several historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have notable names gracing their stages to offer words of uplift and inspiration to the resilient undergraduate class of 2024.

“The Class of 2024 is one that persevered through their academic journey like no other class in recent history, ending high school with canceled proms and graduation ceremonies, and entering college in isolation because of the pandemic,” Howard University President Ben Vinson III, Ph.D. said in a statement, acknowledging the university will host its ceremony for 2,500 graduates at Capitol One Arena in Washington, D.C., which is home to the NBA’s Washington Wizards and WNBA’s Mystics. “The resilience, fortitude, and faith that sustained them through undoubtedly one of the greatest challenges of our time is deserving of additional efforts to celebrate their accomplishments.”

Thasunda Duckett, Thasunda Brown-Duckett

Howard welcomes TIAA President and Chief Executive Officer Thasunda Brown Duckett as its commencement speaker. TIAA is a Fortune 100 provider of secure retirement and investment solutions to millions of people working in higher education, healthcare, and other mission-driven organizations. She is also a 2024 Black Enterprise Woman of Power Legacy Awardee.

From media and ministry, music and business, to the highest elected office in the land, here are a just few of the many notable spring 2024 speakers for HBCU undergraduate commencements:

  • Alabama A&M University: NFL Hall of Famer John Stallworth, an alum of the university, and Alabama State Senator Rodger M. Smitherman
  • Benedict College: Dr. Michael L. Lomax, President and CEO of UNCF
  • Bethune Cookman University: Ivory McGregor, global impact leader, BeyGOOD Executive Director
  • Bowie State University: Wanda Durant, inspirational speaker, HBCU advocate, philanthropist, mother of NBA All-Star Kevin Durant
  • Claflin University: Nicole Nelson-Jean, Associate Administrator for the Office of Infrastructure in the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and a member of the Federal Senior Executive Service. She is a Grambling State University alumna.
  • Delaware State University: Jamaican Prime Minister, The Most Honorable Andrew Holness, ON, PC, MP, will be the first-ever Prime Minister to be the keynote speaker at this HBCU.
  • Fisk University: “TODAY” show co-host Al Roker and wife Deborah Roberts, ABC News “20/20” co-anchor
  • Howard University: Thasunda Brown-Duckett, CEO of TIAA, 2024 Black Enterprise Woman of Power Legacy Awardee
  • Jackson State University: Distinguished Jackson State alums: U.S. Senator Laphonza Butler of California and U.S. District Judge Carlton Reeves of the Southern District of Mississippi
  • Jarvis Christian College: Rep. Bennie Thompson, 2nd Congressional District of Mississippi
  • Lincoln University: Renowned human rights advocate and founder and Executive Director of the Equal Justice Initiative, Bryan Stevenson, will be the keynote speaker at Lincoln’s 165th Commencement Ceremony in Pennsylvania.
  • Morris Brown College: Chart-topping gospel artist and producer Kirk Franklin has more than 20 Grammy, Dove, and Stellar awards each to his credit.
  • Morehouse College: The 46th President of the United States, Joseph R. Biden. This announcement has sparked controversy among staff and students.
  • Norfolk State University: Del. Don Scott (D-88th District), who became the first Black House speaker in the Virginia Legislature’s 400-year history.
  • North Carolina A&T University: Tamron Hall, award-winning journalist, executive producer, and host of the nationally syndicated “The Tamron Hall Show”
  • Prairie View A&M University: United Airlines Vice President Phil Griffith. This Grambling State alum also serves as an Aviation Management department board member at HBCU Texas Southern University.
  • Spelman College: Honorary Oscar-Award-winning actress Angela Bassett
  • Texas Southern University: U.S. Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, representing Texas’ 30th district.
  • Tuskegee University:  Dr. Dietra Y. Trent, Executive Director of the White House Initiative on HBCUs. Dr. Trent spoke with Black Enterprise on key issues facing HBCUs.
  • Wiley University: Dr. Marla Frederick is the John Lord O’Brian Professor of Divinity and the 18th Dean of Harvard Divinity School—the first woman to hold her current position in the School’s 207-year history.

HBCU presidents also expressed their excitement with their respective featured speakers.

“Kirk Franklin will be our commencement speaker May 18, here in Atlanta, at Big Bethel AME Church. He will be bringing forth a word for our graduates,” Morris Brown College president Dr. Kevin E. James told BLACK ENTERPRISE, noting 2024 marks Morris Brown’s largest graduating class in 20 years. “We are very, very excited to have him here and we look forward to meeting with him.”

Dr. Michael Lomax, UNCF

At Benedict College in Columbia, S.C., UNCF President and CEO Dr. Michael L. Lomax is the keynote speaker. The Morehouse alum and former Dillard University president has been at the helm of UNCF for 20 years, where the organization has raised more than $5 billion to help more than 500,000 students graduate college since 1944.

“We welcome one of the world’s biggest champions for HBCUs,” said Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, president and CEO of Benedict. Under Dr. Lomax’s stellar leadership,” Dr. Artis said Benedict College has benefited greatly from UNCF’s Institute for Capacity Building and partnerships with Congress, the White House, and the Department of Education to further advance HBCUs.

Micheal Jordan, Brightness In Black,storyCorp, Jordan Bran
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 3, 2024

Michael Jordan Has Advice For NASCAR Or ‘This Sport Is Going To Die’

'This sport's going to die not because of the competition aspect, but because economically it doesn't make sense for any businesspeople.'

Having only been involved in car racing for under three years, former NBA player Michael Jordan, a NASCAR Cup Series car owner, has some advice for the league, and if they don’t listen to his words, he predicts that the “sport’s going to die.”

According to CBS News, a recent change in revenue sharing and new charter rules have placed NASCAR on a path of not being profitable for car owners. The media outlet reported that the league is negotiating with the 36 team owners about renewing a charter system put in place in 2016. All teams are guaranteed a spot in each Cup Series race under the current rules. The owners are striving to make the current charter arrangement permanent, as the agreement expires at the end of the 2024 season on Nov. 10.

Jordan, owner of 23XI Racing, commented on what he feels would make the business grow and ensure that the car owners and NASCAR have a “good partnership” at the end of the day.

“If you had permanent charters, then you could create a revenue stream, either with new investors or different types of sponsorships that would subsidize that type of variance between ownership and the league,” Jordan told The New York Times. “That’s a big, big miss right there. If you don’t correct that, this sport’s going to die not because of the competition aspect, but because economically, it doesn’t make sense for any businesspeople.”

Jordan then stated that everyone should be making money, not just NASCAR.

“In all partnerships, if you grow the pie, that means your business is going to continue to grow. And to grow the pie, you’ve got to make sure everybody’s healthy within the partnership. If our ownership in NASCAR is losing money and NASCAR’s the only one making money, that’s not a good partnership.”

Sports Business Journal reported that NASCAR COO Steve O’Donnell stated they are very close to inking a new deal.

“Ultimately, when our owners look at where the sport’s potential is in terms of all the new media partners, the balance that we do have with linear and now being able to go with the Amazons, [TNT Sports], all the opportunities we have with content, I think they get it,” O’Donnell said. “Everyone wants to sit down and argue over who’s going to split the money the right way, but ultimately we’ll get to a good place.”

It’s been reported that NASCAR offered to extend the charter system for an additional seven years, but the team owners would rather it be permanent.

Bishop Tracy S. Malone, President Of The United Methodist Church's Council Of Bishops
by Stacy Jackson

May 3, 2024

Bishop Tracy S. Malone Becomes 1st Black Woman President Of The United Methodist Church’s Council Of Bishops

Bishop Malone will serve a two-year term alongside a new president-designate and a new executive secretary.

The United Methodist Church has reached a historic milestone by appointing Bishop Tracy S. Malone as the first Black woman president of its Council of Bishops (COB). Malone, the resident bishop of the East Ohio Conference, graciously accepted the mantle from outgoing President Bishop Thomas Bickerton before a gathering of nearly 800 delegates and observers at the General Conference on April 30, according to The United Methodist Church. “I am honored to serve as the President of the Council of Bishops in the midst of these challenging and hope-filled times in the life of our beloved United Methodist Church,” she said during the conference as she embraced the sacred responsibility bestowed upon her. “Fresh winds of God’s spirit are moving across the Church and creating missional pathways for the next visible expression and witness of The United Methodist Church.”

East Ohio Conference News stated that Malone’s two-year term as president will conclude in May 2026, providing steadfast leadership during this transformative period for the denomination.

Introducing her Episcopal colleagues, Malone highlighted Bishop Ruben Saenz as the new president-designate and Bishop L. Jonathan Holston commencing his second term as secretary. “We celebrate what God has done and what God is doing as we, together as a Council, lead and help to shepherd this beautiful, beloved United Methodist Church into its next expression, God’s vision for God’s Church,” Malone said.

The executive team is further fortified by Bishop Gregory V. Palmer as the new executive secretary, and retired Bishops Hope Morgan Ward and Rosemary Wenner serve as co-ecumenical officers, fostering relationships across denominations.

Bishop Malone accepted her new role and was encouraged by God’s plans for the present and future of The United Methodist Church. “I am prepared to bring all of who I am and my gifts, wisdom, and experience to my role as President of The Council of Bishops and to my leadership and role in the Church,” she said.

Malone was officially elected as president during the COB meeting at Lake Junaluska in November 2023.

Jessica Care Moore, Poet Laureate, Detroit
by Stacy Jackson

May 3, 2024

The Voice of Detroit: City Names Jessica Care Moore As Newest Poet Laureate

The Detroit native is committed to the amplifying the voices of contemporary writers and poets in the city's educational curriculum.

Detroit has named Jessica Care Moore as its newest poet laureate, a fitting choice given her deep roots in the city’s vibrant cultural fabric.

In her new role, Moore will orchestrate poetry events citywide and contribute to initiatives dedicated to Detroit’s diverse community, Fox 2 Detroit reported. The lifelong Detroiter will deliver an annual address at the Detroit Public Library and compose an original poem for an end-of-year presentation.

“I only hope with this new position, I’ll be able to turn on some lights inside our schools filled with promise and untapped young genius,” Moore said during an April 30 press conference. “Poems belong to all of us, and they all have the power to change lives. Poems absolutely saved my life.”

Mayor Mike Duggan lauded the appointment, stating, “This is a recognition that was overdue…Now it’s official.”

Moore envisions a future where poetry permeates educational environments. Advocating for a curricular shift in 2024, she stated, “Let’s bring in contemporary writers and poets and bring them into the classroom. We have great poets in this city.” Her vision resonates with Director Rochelle Riley’s goals for Detroit, embracing performing arts to nurture local talent without the perceived need to leave the city for stardom.

Beyond her poetic prowess, Moore is also an activist, filmmaker, publisher, and founder of The Moore Art House, a non-profit dedicated to fostering literacy in Detroit.

A product of Detroit’s public schools, Moore pursued higher education at Wayne State and Michigan State before establishing Moore Black Press Publishing Inc. in Brooklyn in 1997. According to her website, Moore Black Press has published the works of Saul Williams, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, and Danny Simmons, with plans to launch poetry and spoken word audiobooks through a HarperCollins imprint in 2024.

Moore’s multifaceted artistry has garnered acclaim, from voicing the Pure Michigan campaign in 2023 to collaborating with hip-hop luminaries like Common, Nas, and Jeezy. Her Rock & Roll project, “We Are Scorpio,” with powerhouse singer Steffanie Christ’ian, is slated for a June 2024 release on Talib Kweli’s label.

In 2023, Moore graced the Shabazz Center alongside Angela Davis and Benjamin Crump at the invitation of Malcolm X’s family. Her upcoming feature film, He Looked Like A Postcard, is slated for a June 2024 release..

Moore also performed at BLACK ENTERPRISE‘s “Woman of Power” poetry jam.

FIA, Franchise Ascension Initiative,
by Jeffrey McKinney

May 3, 2024

Black Americans Can Now Apply To New Initiative Working Toward Franchise Ownership

The initiative will provide participants tools including how to learn more about setting up and growing franchise businesses.

The International Franchise Association (IFA) is now taking applications from prospective entrepreneurs, including Black Americans, to help them potentially become business owners.

It is part of the  Franchise Ascension Initiative (FAI), a six-month accelerator program. It will leverage IFA’s education programs, access to capital, and other resources to help qualified individuals from underrepresented communities gain opportunities to pursue a career in franchise ownership.

Franchising has emerged as a proven way for Black Americans to make money as business owners in multiple industries. The effort aims to help narrow the wealth gap by enlarging the franchise talent pipeline.

Consider that, per data from Oxford Economics, one in three franchise owners report they would not own their businesses without the concept. To boot, Black-owned franchises reportedly earn, on average, over two times more than Black-owned independent businesses.

BLACK ENTERPRISE was informed that over $2 million has been committed to the FAI from franchise brands, individuals, and partner organizations. See some of the donors stepping up to back the cause.

Applications for FAI are being accepted through June 15. The industry’s largest trade group, IFA, will select 15-20 qualified individuals to participate. Those interested in owning their own business but don’t know where to start will get training and support to help increase diversity in franchising.

First launched at the IFA Annual Convention in Phoenix in February 2024, FAI was envisioned by Omar Simmons, IFA Board Member and Managing Director of Exaltare Capital Partners, and his wife Raynya, based on a news release. He was partnering with IFA on the effort. They provided the program’s initial donation and talked about it here.

IFA President and CEO Matt Haller reflected on FAI in his comments, “Franchising is one of the greatest pathways to business ownership and creating generational wealth, he commented. “FAI to opportunity is available to everyone, regardless of background. What better way to bridge the wealth gap than by opening more doors for aspiring business owners from all walks of life?

Simultaneously, the program comes as access to capital remains challenging for small business owners, particularly Black entrepreneurs. Yet, IFA hopes to help candidates overcome that hurdle by providing tools, networking, and education to help them become more capital-ready.

Further, this report touches on “supporting the franchise business model could be a helpful tool to encourage higher rates of entrepreneurship among women, non-white, and other underrepresented groups—without cost to taxpayers.”

The FAI curriculum includes building a business plan and learning how to secure funding to set up and grow franchise businesses. Participants will also be introduced to capital providers and gain insight from mentors, seasoned, successful franchisees, legal experts, and franchise consultants. Once the program ends, the goal is to have participants adept at franchise ownership armed with a strong support group.

Learn who the program will target as leading franchisee candidates here and more details about the effort.

Universal Music Group, TikTok, Music Licensing Deal
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 3, 2024

Universal Music Group And TikTok Agree to New Music Licensing Deal

This new “multi-dimensional licensing agreement” allows UMG's “global family of artists, songwriters and labels" to return their music to TikTok.

Earlier this year, Universal Music Group (UMG) removed music from its roster of artists from the popular TikTok platform due to a disagreement regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and compensation. It was recently announced that an agreement has been made between the two entities, allowing music from Drake, SZA, Taylor Swift, and many others to be used on TikTok again.

The deal is a new “multi-dimensional licensing agreement” that allows the platform access to its “global family of artists, songwriters and labels and will return their music” to TikTok.

In a written statement, Universal Music Group chairman and CEO Sir Lucian Grainge said: “This new chapter in our relationship with TikTok focuses on the value of music, the primacy of human artistry and the welfare of the creative community. We look forward to collaborating with the team at TikTok to further the interests of our artists and songwriters and drive innovation in fan engagement while advancing social music monetization.”

The two companies were in dispute regarding compensation when UMG stated that TikTok’s proposal was at a “fraction” of typical payouts, chastising the platform for wanting to profit off the music unfairly.

“Music is an integral part of the TikTok ecosystem, and we are pleased to have found a path forward with Universal Music Group,” TikTok CEO Shou Chew said. “We are committed to working together to drive value, discovery and promotion for all of UMG’s amazing artists and songwriters and deepen their ability to grow, connect and engage with the TikTok community.”

Deadline reported that the agreement is designed to deliver better payments for the songwriters and artists under the UMG umbrella. This includes new promotional and engagement opportunities for the songs recorded and industry-leading protections concerning generative AI.

Ryan Garcia, Boxer, Performance-Enhancing, Devin Haney
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 3, 2024

Boxer Ryan Garcia Tested Positive For Performance-Enhancing Substance

In a fight where he dropped Devin Haney three times to win the match, Garcia tested positive for ostarine the day before and the day of the boxing match

After dropping his opponent, Devin Haney, three times in a fight last month and winning a majority decision, it was discovered that Ryan Garcia tested positive for a banned drug.

According to ESPN, Garcia not only tested positive for Ostarine, a performance-enhancing substance, a day before the boxing match, but he also tested positive the day of the fight as well. A letter from the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association was sent to both fighters’ camps and all parties involved in the fight.

The 25-year-old boxer beat Haney on April 20 after knocking Haney off his feet three times during the fight. He won the contest by a majority decision (112-112, 114-110, and 115-109) and came into the 140-pound match overweight by 3.2 pounds, according to Yahoo! Sports.

“Everybody knows that I don’t cheat. Never taken a steroid. … I don’t even know where to get steroids. … I barely take supplements. Big lies, I beat his a**.”

Garcia took to his social media account to dispute the test results and claimed this was “fake news.”

His opponent released a statement to ESPN chastising the boxer for cheating:

“We learned about this situation not too long ago and it’s unfortunate Ryan cheated and disrespected both the fans and the sport of boxing by fighting dirty and breaking positive not once, but twice,” Haney said. “Ryan owes the fans an apology, and by his recent tweet, he still thinks this is a joke. We put our lives on the line to entertain people for a living. You don’t play boxing. This puts the fight in a completely different light. Despite the disadvantage, I still fought on my shield and got back up! People die in this sport. This isn’t a joking matter.”

This was Haney’s first defeat (31-1), and due to Garcia (25-1) coming into the fight over the weight limit, he was ineligible to obtain the WBC title he was fighting for that was on the line.

Enterprise, EEOC, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Age discrimination
by Sharelle B. McNair

May 3, 2024

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Adds Pronouns, Bathrooms, and Abortion Protections To Law After 25 Years 

They are not playing around....

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced new bias protections, including pronouns, bathrooms, and abortions for employees nationwide. 

Employers who refuse to use the preferred pronouns for transgender workers and ban them from using corresponding bathrooms will amount to unlawful workplace harassment under federal anti-discrimination law. The new guidelines, updated on April 29, come for the first time in 25 years. 

The new guidance also includes measures for remote workers, saying that conduct “within a virtual work environment,” including racist or sexist comments made during virtual meetings, can add to an unlawful hostile work environment. Discrimination against employees based on their choice to have abortions or use contraception is also labeled as a form of sex discrimination.

The historic move showcases how the agency can enforce anti-bias laws, although they are not legally binding. They were added to some of the existing legal standards that protect workers from harassment in relation to characteristics ranging from color, race, religion, and sex.

“We felt we really needed to lay out the contours of the law and where it stands,” EEOC Chair Charlotte A. Burrows said. 

“Harassment, both in-person and online, remains a serious issue in America’s workplaces. The EEOC’s updated guidance on harassment is a comprehensive resource that brings together best practices for preventing and remedying harassment and clarifies recent developments in the law.” 

With a Democratic majority 3-2 approval vote, Republican Commissioners Andrea Lucas and Keith Sonderling provided dissenting votes. Appointed by former President Donald Trump,  Lucas and other conservatives criticized the guidance. 

Lucas feels the new updates may force employers to eliminate single-sex bathrooms and facilities used for showering, dressing, and sleeping. She also thinks it would increase women’s risk of harassment and assault. “Biological sex is real, and it matters. Sex is binary – male and female – and is immutable,” she said.

Education and the Workforce Committee Chairwoman Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.) isn’t a fan of the guidance, saying the EEOC has “detached itself from reality.” “The EEOC has detached itself from reality— today’s final guidance is nothing more than a homage to leftist activists who want Americans to conform to their warped political ideology,” Foxx said.

“From the mandated use of pronouns to a denial of biological facts, the EEOC seems more interested in appeasing the mob than undertaking commonsense policymaking to protect workers. File this away as another item in the long list of failures spearheaded by this agency.”

The changes have been in the making for years, first being proposed in January 2017 after former President Trump took office and during the rise of the #MeToo movement, which put workplace sexual harassment under a microscope. However, plans were never finalized under Trump’s leadership. 

Between 2016 and 2023, more than one-third of the thousands of worker complaints received by the EEOC included harassment allegations. The EEOC has filed lawsuits against major corporations like popular convenience store Sheetz, accusing it of discriminating against Black, Native American, and ethnic job applicants by automatically weeding out potential employees whom the company thought would fail a criminal background check.

Walmart, Inc. was also accused of failing to stop severe sexual harassment of female workers by a manager of a West Virginia store. Tesla is also accused of ignoring complaints of racist harassment of Black workers at its assembly plant in Fremont, California. 

Both companies have denied any wrongdoing.

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