Skip to main content

CAPAC Applauds EEOC Enforcement Guidance on National Origin Discrimination

June 3, 2016

Washington, DC – Yesterday the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) released draft enforcement guidance addressing national origin discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title VII prohibits employer actions that treat people unfavorably because of their national origin, including because they are from a particular country or part of the world, because of ethnicity, or because they appear to be of a certain ethnic background. Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the following statements:

Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair:

“Discrimination on the basis of ethnicity or country of origin is simply un-American. That is why I am thrilled to see the EEOC take action to lay the groundwork for enforcing the existing prohibitions on workplace discrimination based on national origin. This action will add a strong layer of protection for immigrants, migrants, and other vulnerable populations that may face a disproportionate number of barriers to equal employment opportunity. I thank EEOC Chair Jenny Yang for her leadership, and I look forward to continue working with the EEOC to develop policies that would provide for a more just work environment for Asian Pacific Americans and all Americans.

Congressman Mike Honda (CA-17), CAPAC Chair Emeritus:

“I applaud EEOC’s revised draft guidance on national origin discrimination, and its clarifications on job segregation, human trafficking, and intersectional discrimination. To address the complex challenges we face today, we must be responsive and adaptable to protect our immigrant workers and workers of color. No one should face ill treatment due to their ethnicity or nationality. We have an obligation as a nation to uphold our values of fairness and equality across all of our communities.”

###

The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and Members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Currently chaired by Congresswoman Judy Chu, CAPAC has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life since it was founded in 1994.