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Press Release 05-15-2019

Janet Dhillon Becomes Chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

WASHINGTON - Janet Dhillon was sworn in today as the Chair of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) by Acting Chair Victoria A. Lipnic. She will serve as the 16th Chair of the EEOC. Dhillon was first nominated by President Donald J. Trump on June 29, 2017 and confirmed on May 8, 2019. Her term will end on July 1, 2022.

Dhillon practiced law in the private sector for over 25 years. Prior to joining the EEOC, Dhillon served as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of Burlington Stores, Inc. Previously, Ms. Dhillon served as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of JC Penney Company, Inc., and before that, as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer of US Airways Group, Inc.

"In the more than 50 years since the EEOC was founded, the country has made great strides toward achieving the goal of equal opportunity in the workplace," said Dhillon. "Yet, unfortunately, the goal of a nondiscriminatory workplace has not been fully achieved. Notwithstanding the tremendous efforts of many, including those here at the EEOC, there continues to be unlawful discrimination in the workplace. This discrimination is illegal, economically counterproductive, and corrosive to the very fabric of our society."

Dhillon began her legal career at the law firm of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, where she practiced for 13 years. She is a graduate of Occidental College, magna cum laude, and the UCLA School of Law, where she ranked first in her class. A native of California, Dhillon currently lives in Virginia.

Dhillon joins Commissioners Victoria A. Lipnic, who has served as Acting Chair since January 2017, and Charlotte Burrows.  With her swearing-in, the Commission regains a quorum that it lost on Jan. 3.

The EEOC advances opportunity in the workplace by enforcing federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. More information is available at www.eeoc.gov. Stay connected with the latest EEOC news by subscribing to our email updates.