EEOC Withdraws Harassment Guidance: What Actually Changed? - Off The Clock Ep 105

In this episode, Miller Johnson employment attorneys Rebecca Strauss & Sarah Willey discuss the EEOC’s recent decision to rescind its 2024 harassment guidance. They break down what this decision means (and does not mean) for employers. The 2024 guidance generated significant discussion, particularly around: Pronoun usage and hostile work environment claims Bathroom access and gender identity protections Conflicts between religious accommodation and anti-harassment protections Now that the guidance has been rescinded, many employers are asking: Does this change harassment law? Does it affect Title VII protections? Should workplace policies change? 🔍 Tune in as we explore: Why Supreme Court precedent still protects sexual orientation and gender identity What “evenhanded enforcement” means under the current Commission How employers should approach harassment complaints going forward Bottom line: The law protecting employees from harassment remains in place — and enforcement remains a priority. 📌 Chapters: 00:00 – Intro / EEOC Rescinds 2024 Harassment Guidance: What Happened? 01:57 – What Was in the EEOC’s 2024 Harassment Guidance? 09:42 – Texas Court Decision Vacating Parts of the EEOC Guidance 11:52 – Who Currently Controls the EEOC Commission? 13:13 – Does Rescinding the Guidance Change Harassment Law? 14:19 – What Andrea Lucas, Chair of the EEOC, Says about Rescinding the 2024 Guidance 16:24 – What Does “Evenhanded Enforcement” Mean? 17:28 – Where Harassment Law Stands After the Rescission 18:46 – What Guidance Still Remains in Effect? 19:03 – What Should Employers Do Now? 📌 Note: This episode provides general information only and is not legal advice. 🎙️Podcast: You can also listen to all the “The Lawyers Off the Clock” podcast episodes by subscribing on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3lRrGuS...