Senate Confirms EEOC Commissioner

WASHINGTON – The Human Rights Campaign, praised the Senate for confirming Chai Feldblum to a full term as a Commissioner of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).  Republican Senators had previously blocked Feldblum's nomination, leading President Obama to use a recess appointment to make her, temporarily, a Commissioner in March 2010.  That temporary appointment would have expired at the end of 2011; Feldblum will now serve through July 2013.     

“We commend the Senate for finally setting aside pointless partisanship and confirming this highly qualified candidate for a full term on the EEOC," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese.  "Chai Feldblum has spent decades working to protect those most ignored and maligned by our society.  The civil rights of all Americans will be in good hands with Chai Feldblum’s continued service on the EEOC."

Prior to her recess appointment, Feldblum served as a professor of law at Georgetown University Law Center.  Throughout her career, she has worked to enact protections for some of the most stigmatized populations in America.  As legislative counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union in the 1980s, she worked to secure legal protections for people with AIDS at a time when the disease was vilified and poorly understood.  Professor Feldblum also played a leading role in the drafting and negotiation of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Feldblum is a committed advocate for equal rights for LGBT Americans.  Her work on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act has been invaluable to advancing the cause of employment protections for the LGBT community.

The EEOC was established as part of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.  Its mission is to promote equality of opportunity in the workplace and enforce Federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. 

Feldblum’s confirmation marks the first time an openly LGBT person has served on the EEOC.    

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.