The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently made a significant move towards bolstering workplace protections with its proposed enforcement guidance on harassment. In a 3-2 vote, along political party lines, the EEOC has paved the way for the first update on harassment regulations in nearly 25 years. This proposed guidance consolidates, supersedes, and updates five outdated EEOC guidance documents, underscoring its relevance and importance.
Background information
Previous attempts to address harassment in the workplace were made in 2017 but were not successfully finalized under the Trump administration. However, under the current Biden administration, the EEOC’s proposed guidance aligns with its 2024-2028 enforcement priorities, which include preventing and remedying systemic harassment. This signals a renewed commitment to creating safer and more inclusive workplace environments.
Scope of the Proposed Guidance
The proposed guidance takes into account the influential Bostock decision (140 S. Ct. 1731, 2020), which dealt with allegations of discriminatory discharge. The EEOC explains that the reasoning behind the decision logically extends to claims of harassment. By referencing this landmark ruling, the EEOC establishes a foundation for stronger protections against harassment across various contexts.
Specific examples of sex-based harassment are explicitly identified in the proposed guidance. The intentional and repeated misuse of an individual’s gender identity, such as misgendering, is considered a form of harassment. Additionally, the denial of access to sex-segregated facilities, such as bathrooms and locker rooms, based on an individual’s gender identity, is also recognized as sex-based harassment. This comprehensive approach strives to protect individuals from discrimination and mistreatment based on their gender identity.
Expanding the notion of sex-based harassment, the proposed guidance also includes pregnancy-related discrimination. It emphasizes that harassment based on a woman’s reproductive decisions, such as contraception or abortion choices, falls within the purview of sex-based harassment. This alignment with the EEOC’s proposed regulations to implement the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act affirms a commitment to ensuring the well-being and rights of pregnant employees.
Religious Expression and Harassment
The proposed guidance acknowledges the delicate balance between religious expression and potential harassment in the workplace. It provides clarity on when such expression can be considered objectively hostile. According to the EEOC, religious employees attempting to persuade others of their beliefs do not necessarily create an objectively hostile environment. This nuanced approach allows for respectful engagement while maintaining boundaries against discriminatory behavior.
Addressing social media activity
In the age of social media, the proposed guidance acknowledges the increasing relevance of online interactions in the workplace. To ensure a respectful and inclusive environment, the EEOC emphasizes an employer’s obligation to address private social media activity that begins to affect the workplace. This recognition of the potential impact of online conduct underscores the importance of fostering a culture of respect both offline and online.
Implications and future steps
While the proposed guidance does not have the force and effect of law, it is a significant move by the EEOC to advance workplace protections. Under the Biden administration, this guidance reflects a coordinated effort to expand growth and enforcement in fostering safer and inclusive workplaces. The proposed guidance serves as a roadmap to potential future developments in harassment regulations and enforcement.
In publishing its Proposed Enforcement Guidance on Harassment in the Workplace, the EEOC has taken a crucial step towards strengthening workplace protections. With updated provisions addressing specific forms of harassment, including those related to gender identity, pregnancy, and religious expression, the EEOC demonstrates its commitment to promoting equitable and respectful working environments. While the proposed guidance awaits finalization, it presents a comprehensive approach to combating harassment and lays the groundwork for enhanced workplace fairness and inclusivity.