Civil Rights Agency and Sexual Harassment Case Suspension

A recent lawsuit involves the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and a sexual harassment case concerning female prison guards. The EEOC paused the case, leading to accusations that the agency is halting federal-sector class claims. The delay has sparked legal action by a labor union and two prison guards against the EEOC.

The lawsuit references an administrative judge’s order dated December 10, 2025, indicating the case suspension also applied to other federal sector class cases. However, EEOC Chief Operating Officer Sharon Rose claimed the judge’s action was erroneous and an isolated incident. She stated that another administrative judge is now handling the case and has set further proceedings.

Justice Department attorney James Harlow communicated with the plaintiffs, echoing Rose’s explanation. Harlow asked them to withdraw their motion for a preliminary injunction, asserting that federal-sector class complaint processing should continue.

“In short, Defendants agree that processing of federal-sector class complaints should not be suspended,” Harlow stated.

Despite these claims, Joseph Sellers, co-chair of Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll’s civil rights practice, argued the suspension was not isolated. He highlighted evidence of other cases, including those against the FBI and Department of Defense, that had also stalled. After the lawsuit was filed, scheduling orders for certain cases were issued, which Sellers suggests undermines the EEOC’s error claim.

The plaintiffs, represented by the American Federation of Government Employees, include correctional officers at Louisiana’s Federal Correctional Complex at Pollock. They allege the management failed to prevent sexual harassment by inmates.

During Donald Trump’s presidency, the EEOC significantly altered its civil rights enforcement, impacting diversity policies and systemic discrimination investigations. These changes led to lawsuits against EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas, who advocates a “colorblind” vision for workplace civil rights.

Rose stated that there was no directive from the EEOC or Lucas to halt class cases indefinitely. The EEOC declined further comments and deferred to the Justice Department, which has not responded.

The Associated Press reported this case as part of its women in the workforce coverage, supported by Pivotal Ventures. The AP maintains editorial independence in its reporting.