Eeoc Seeks To Drop A Gender Discrimination Case, Signaling A Big Shift In Civil Rights Enforcement

The federal agency that enforces workplace anti-discrimination laws has moved to dismiss its own lawsuit on behalf of a worker allegedly fired for his sexual orientation and gender identity, arguing that the case now conflicts with President Donald Trump's recent executive order , according to court documents.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on Thursday filed a joint motion to dismiss its case against Harmony Hospitality LLC, which operates a Home2 Suites by Hilton hotel in Dothan, Alabama, just eight months after the agency sued the company over its firing of an employee who identifies as nonbinary male and gay.

The employee worked for Harmony Hospitality as a night auditor and 'styled himself in conformity with male gender stereotypes" at work, according to the EEOC's original lawsuit. But when he was called in for a meeting outside of working hours, he wore "capri-cut joggers, pink-painted nails, and box braids."

Upon learning about the employee's gender identity and sexual orientation, Harmony Hospitality's co-owner said the employee needed to be "hidden" because of his appearance, and seven hours later, he was fired via text message, the lawsuit alleges.

The complaint accuses Harmony Hospitality of violating Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by terminating the employee "because of his sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and failure to adhere to male gender stereotypes."