July 17, 2009 - Posted by Rachel Eggleston
Yesterday, President Obama nominated Jacqueline Berrien, associate director-counsel for the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund (LDF), to chair the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 created the EEOC to combat employment discrimination. It investigates and prosecutes employment discrimination complaints based on a person's race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability and as well as complaints of retaliation for reporting or opposing discriminatory practices and policies. It also coordinates all of the federal government's equal opportunity programs.
Berrien, a graduate of Harvard Law School, has served as LDF's associate director-counsel since 2004. She has also worked for the Ford Foundation's Peace and Social Justice Program, the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights, and the American Civil Liberties Union.
"Each of us deserves a fair chance to succeed in our workplace and make a contribution to this nation, and I'm confident that Jacqueline's passion and leadership will ensure that the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is living up to that mission," said President Obama.
The Senate must confirm Berrien before she assumes the post.
Categories: Civil Rights Enforcement Agencies, Equal Opportunity
