Rescission of Guidelines on Affirmative Action Appropriate Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as Amended
What happened
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is rescinding its 1979 guidelines on affirmative action under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and removing them from federal regulations. This action, signed by Donald Trump, is effective July 6, 2026, and applicable as of June 29, 2026. The EEOC states these guidelines are inconsistent with law, obsolete, and do not account for recent Supreme Court cases.
Why it matters
This rescission removes the protection employers had under the 1979 guidelines when implementing race- and sex-conscious affirmative action plans. It signifies a potential shift in how Title VII is interpreted regarding such actions, as employers can no longer rely on these specific guidelines as a legal defense.
Who it affects
- ›Employers implementing affirmative action plans
- ›Labor organizations
- ›Entities subject to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act
- ›Women or minorities previously benefiting from specific affirmative action plans
The receipts are official. The summary is ours.
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