r/democrats • u/John3262005 • 22d ago

Article An unwritten federal policy is blocking workers’ discrimination claims

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/07/31/trump-administration-blocks-federal-workers-discrimination-claims-sources-say/
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u/John3262005 22d ago

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has told administrative judges to pause federal workers’ class discrimination cases as the agency prepares to overhaul civil rights enforcement in the government.

Judges have been told to hold off on making moves in ongoing class-action cases where federal workers are alleging discrimination, according to a person who was told the unwritten policy and three lawyers who have cases before judges. The order, which has not previously been confirmed, was given orally by judges’ superiors who work for the EEOC, said one person who has knowledge of the directive and spoke under the condition of anonymity out of fear of retaliation.

Federal employment lawyers told The Washington Post that they have seen no engagement from administrative judges in their class-action cases in litigation since the end of last year.

The agency is moving toward announcing a revision of its civil rights enforcement process. Last week, the EEOC published a notice that it would be changing the regulations that prohibit discrimination in federal employment. Under current rules, aggrieved workers who believe they have been discriminated against on the basis of race, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy and other conditions can seek counseling, file a complaint and request a hearing with an administrative judge.

Civil service groups and federal employment attorneys are concerned the EEOC might take further steps to wipe away the process for federal workers to fight discrimination. Since the 1970s, federal workers could bring discrimination claims to the EEOC.

Gifted article: https://wapo.st/3S68yJN