Senate Will Weigh Eschbach Nomination to Lead EEOC Legal Office

Why it Matters

The Senate is scheduled to examine the nomination of Catherine Eschbach, of Texas, to be general counsel of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Reuters reported Sept. 15 that President Donald Trump had nominated Eschbach, then serving as the EEOC's acting general counsel, for the permanent role. Whoever holds that post shapes which cases the agency pursues and how it interprets federal civil rights statutes, making the confirmation consequential for employers, workers, and civil rights advocates alike. The hearing, titled "Hearings To Examine The Nomination Of Catherine Eschbach, Of Texas, To Be General Counsel Of The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission," is scheduled for November 10 before the Senate. ​

Broader Context

In October, the EEOC voted to rescind its enforcement guidance on the consideration of arrest and conviction records. The rescission affects how employers may use criminal history in hiring decisions, a question with broad implications for workers with prior records and for businesses navigating federal anti-discrimination requirements.

Reuters also reported Oct. 26 that a Manhattan magistrate judge paused discovery in a retaliation claim brought by The New York Times against the EEOC, a separate legal development involving the agency in the weeks before the hearing.