Harrisburg, PA —The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) today expressed deep concern regarding the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)’s recent proposal to rescind the 60-year requirement for employers to submit annual workforce demographic reports. The EEOC voted 2-1 to eliminate the requirement, initiating a 30-day public comment period before potential final approval.
“This proposal feels like a step backward into a darker chapter of our civil rights history,” said PHRC Interim Chair Curtis Jones, Jr. “If the EEOC moves forward with this proposal, it will threaten the very foundation of evidence‑based civil rights enforcement. Demographic reporting has been the flashlight that reveals inequity hiding in the shadows. Taking it away doesn’t make inequality disappear, it only makes it harder to find.”
Historically, the data has played an essential role in uncovering discrimination patterns and guiding enforcement under the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The PHRC is concerned that eliminating demographic reports will significantly limit visibility into workplace discrimination trends and disparities. The change may also weaken accountability practices for employers who rely on data to assess workforce equity.
“This proposed rollback risks leaving workers, especially those in underrepresented communities, less protected than ever,” said PHRC Interim Executive Director Amber J.E. Harris. “Information is not a burden. It is a safeguard. Data is the voice of workers who may never be heard otherwise. Without it, patterns of injustice risk becoming invisible, and people who face discrimination every day may once again stand alone.”
While changes to long-standing federal guidance continue, the PHRC remains committed to protecting all Pennsylvanians from discrimination. Under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA) and the Pennsylvania Fair Educational Opportunities Act (PFEOA), it is illegal in the Commonwealth to discriminate on the basis of age, ancestry, color, disability, national origin, race, religious creed, or sex in employment, housing, public accommodations, education, and commercial property. These state protections remain a critical safeguard for our communities.
“This EEOC proposal sends the message to workers that their experiences might never be counted, never recognized, never validated,” said PHRC Deputy Director of Enforcement, Policy, and Compliance Desireé Chang. “We cannot protect people from discrimination if we are asked to work blindfolded. Transparency strengthens accountability. Pennsylvania will continue to enforce state civil rights laws, and we urge anyone who experiences discrimination to file a complaint with the PHRC.”
The PHRC encourages stakeholders, civil rights organizations, and members of the public to submit comments during the federal review period. A public hearing on the proposal will be held August 11, 2026.
About the PHRC:
The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission enforces state laws that prohibit discrimination and promote equal opportunity for all people. The PHRC investigates complaints of discrimination in employment, housing, education, and public accommodations. Anyone who has experienced discrimination is urged to file a complaint by calling 717-787-4410. Information and resources are also available on the PHRC website. Follow the PHRC on X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube, and subscribe to our monthly newsletter.
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