Sign in

Kalpana Kotagal

@kotagaleeoc.bsky.social
135 followers 111 following 177 posts

Commissioner of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Views are my own and should not be attributed to the EEOC or any other Commissioner.

PostsRepliesMedia
Kalpana Kotagal @kotagaleeoc.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Today marks 25 years since 9/11—a day of violence, immeasurable loss, and heroism that altered our country’s history. We remember and honor the lives of those we lost that day, and in the years since, as a result of the destruction.
100
Kalpana Kotagal @kotagaleeoc.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Today marks the 63rd anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, when over 250,000 people from across the country gathered to protest racial discrimination and inequity. The historic march led to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
120
Kalpana Kotagal @kotagaleeoc.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
I voted against the EEOC’s Strategic Plan for FY 2026-2030 because I disagree with the document on both substantive and procedural grounds. Read my full statement here: lnkd.in/p/gNa9D2ab.
lnkd.in
OCK Statement on Strategic Plan | Kalpana Kotagal
I voted against the Strategic Plan for FY 2026-2030 (Strategic Plan) because I disagree with the document on both substantive and procedural grounds. A federal agency’s strategic plan sets forth the...
010
Kalpana Kotagal @kotagaleeoc.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Today, I voted against the EEOC’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to make significant revisions to the process for federal workers to follow in seeking to vindicate their workplace civil rights. Read my full statement here: lnkd.in/p/gVqc9_rn
lnkd.in
OCK 1614 Statement | Kalpana Kotagal
The EEOC has voted on a proposal to make significant revisions to the process for federal workers to follow in seeking to vindicate their workplace civil rights. I voted against the Notice of Proposed...
120
Kalpana Kotagal @kotagaleeoc.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
My statement on the Office of Federal Sector decisions in Maximo C. v. Isaacman, Franchesca V. v. Rubio, and Velva B. v. Steiner can be viewed here: lnkd.in/p/gZhat7eq
lnkd.in
OFS Decision Statement | Kalpana Kotagal
My statement on the Office of Federal Sector decisions in Maximo C. v. Isaacman, Franchesca V. v. Rubio, and Velva B. v. Steiner, is attached. These decisions are public and can be found here: Max...
010
Kalpana Kotagal @kotagaleeoc.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Thanks @strictscrutiny.bsky.social @leahlitman.bsky.social for having me on to discuss how the loss of independent agencies has weakened civil rights protections for workers audioboom.com/posts/893259... & www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLH6...
audioboom.com
Dude Process, Not Due Process
Huge news for lawyers: You can now listen to Strict Scrutiny for CLE! More info at http://crooked.com/strict_cleFriend of the Pod Emily Amick of Emily in Your Phone (https://emilyinyourphone.substack....
04512
Kalpana Kotagal @kotagaleeoc.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Today is Black Women’s Equal Pay Day, representing how far into the current year a Black woman must work to earn what White, non-Hispanic men earned in the previous year. Black women working full-time, year-round are paid only 65 cents for every dollar White men make.
100
Kalpana Kotagal @kotagaleeoc.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Today, the Commission held a public meeting on a proposal to rescind EEO-1 through EEO-6 demographic data collection. A full transcript from the meeting will be available online. See a truncated version of my public remarks here: t.ly/rM3io
t.ly
EEO-1 Remarks | Kalpana Kotagal
Today, the Commission held a public meeting on a proposal to rescind EEO-1 through EEO-6 demographic data collection. A truncated version of my public remarks is attached. A transcript from the meetin...
100
Kalpana Kotagal @kotagaleeoc.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
EEOC posted a proposed Strategic Plan for FY2026-2030 on Regulations.gov. The proposed Plan is open for public comment through Sunday, July 19. I urge all interested members of the public to submit comments by that date. www.regulations.gov/docket/EEOC-...
regulations.gov
Regulations.gov
100
Kalpana Kotagal @kotagaleeoc.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
61 years ago today, the EEOC opened its doors. The EEOC was established by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and was born of the enduring struggle for civil rights.
100
Kalpana Kotagal @kotagaleeoc.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Last week, the EEOC filed suit against an auto parts manufacturer alleging the company required applicants to provide genetic information (family medical history) in violation of GINA. The suit arises from a Commissioner Charge I filed on behalf of aggrieved individuals.
100
Kalpana Kotagal @kotagaleeoc.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
I voted against the EEOC’s recissions of the Guidelines on Affirmative Action Appropriate Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, and Section 607 of the Compliance Manual. Here is my statement: www.linkedin.com/posts/kalpan...
linkedin.com
I voted against the EEOC's rescissions of the Guidelines on Affirmative Action Appropriate Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, and Section 607 of the Compliance Manual (“t...
I voted against the EEOC's rescissions of the Guidelines on Affirmative Action Appropriate Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, and Section 607 of the Compliance Manual (“the G...
000
Kalpana Kotagal @kotagaleeoc.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
On Saturday, I had the pleasure of participating in the 2026 ACS National Convention closing plenary panel. I greatly appreciated our discussion about the role that each and every person can play to “stay in the fight” and effectuate positive change.
110
Kalpana Kotagal @kotagaleeoc.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
Tomorrow is Juneteenth—commemorating the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas finally got word that they were free. I honor the resilience of Black Americans & their ancestors who have triumphed & thrived in the face of immense systemic oppression.
100
Kalpana Kotagal @kotagaleeoc.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
Today is LGBTQIA+ Equal Pay Awareness Day. Studies show that LGBTQ+ workers are paid between 10% - 32% less than their straight and cisgender counterparts. Those wage gaps compound for trans women, non-binary individuals, and LGBTQ+ workers of color.
100
Kalpana Kotagal @kotagaleeoc.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
Happy Pride! This is a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and commemorate the ongoing fight for civil rights.
100
Kalpana Kotagal @kotagaleeoc.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
I voted against the EEOC's new National Enforcement Plan because it furthers the weaponization of the agency. Here is my full statement: www.linkedin.com/posts/kalpan...
linkedin.com
Full Statement on NEP | Kalpana Kotagal
I voted against the National Enforcement Plan for FY 25 – 29 because it furthers the weaponization of the agency. My full statement is attached. The NEP replaces the Strategic Enforcement Plan (SEP) ...
000
Kalpana Kotagal @kotagaleeoc.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. This year's theme is “Power in Unity: Strengthening Communities Together.” As the first female @USEEOC Commissioner of Indian descent, I'm honored to serve AANHPI workers and communities.
110
Kalpana Kotagal @kotagaleeoc.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
In April, I had the pleasure of visiting Raleigh, North Carolina as part of the U.S. EEOC's REACH Initiative. I met with local advocates, leaders, workers, and law students to discuss the work of the agency & learn how the agency can do better to meet their needs.
110
Kalpana Kotagal @kotagaleeoc.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
This week is #BlackMaternalHealthWeek, honoring the resilience of Black mothers but also recognizing systemic injustices that shape health outcomes: Black women are 3x more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than White women and 1.5x more likely to have a preterm birth.
100
Kalpana Kotagal @kotagaleeoc.bsky.social · 09/04/2026
Today is AANHPI Women's Equal Pay Day. As of 2024, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander women are paid only 83 cents for every dollar paid to White, non-Hispanic men, on average.
100
Kalpana Kotagal @kotagaleeoc.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
Today is #TransDayofVisibility, celebrating the resilience of trans folks worldwide. There's much to be done to ensure they're protected equally. I voted against 2 recent EEOC decisions that impact the rights of trans federal workers - Sam T. v. Kupor and Selina S. v. Driscoll.
100
Reposted by Kalpana Kotagal
Congressional Equality Caucus @equality.house.gov · 27/03/2026
We couldn't agree more with Commissioner Kotagal, who voted against the EEOC's recent decision that asserts that the categorical denial of insurance coverage for trans-related health care is not sex discrimination. REMINDER: the EEOC's ruling is NOT binding on federal courts.
“[This decision] disregards the law, ignores medical consensus, and treats transgender people as second-class citizens.” EEOC Commissioner Kalpana Kotagal on EEOC's Sam T. v. Kupor decision that asserts that the categorical denial of insurance coverage for transgender-related health care is not sex discrimination. Read Commissioner Kotagal's dissent at the link in our bio.
2155
Kalpana Kotagal @kotagaleeoc.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
I voted against the EEOC's decision in Sam T. v. Kupor. Here is my full statement: www.linkedin.com/posts/kalpan...
linkedin.com
Kotagal statement re Sam T v. Kupor | Kalpana Kotagal
I voted against the Office of Federal Sector decision in Sam T. v. Kupor, because it disregards the law, ignores medical consensus, and treats transgender people as second-class citizens. My full diss...
111
Kalpana Kotagal @kotagaleeoc.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
Today is #EqualPayDay - a yearly reminder that the fight for wage justice persists. On average, women make 76¢ for every dollar men make, and the gap is even worse for women of color. And we are moving backward: in 2024, the gender wage gap widened for the second year in a row.
100
Kalpana Kotagal @kotagaleeoc.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
As #WomensHistoryMonth continues, I’d like to highlight the historic Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) & the ways U.S. EEOC continues to develop that law through impactful resolutions. PWFA expands access to reasonable accommodations for pregnant & postpartum workers nationwide.
100
Kalpana Kotagal @kotagaleeoc.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
Here's my statement on lawful diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility practices: www.linkedin.com/posts/kalpan...
linkedin.com
I have long felt that my family’s story is quintessentially an American… | Kalpana Kotagal
I have long felt that my family’s story is quintessentially an American story. My parents immigrated to the Midwest from India in the 1970s with just $8 in their pockets. While that journey had challe...
011
Kalpana Kotagal @kotagaleeoc.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
Happy #InternationalWomensDay! While global gender gaps in economic participation & opportunity have narrowed, we can do more to foster women's equitable participation in our workforces. Inclusive leadership pipelines, support for childcare & more can help women thrive at work.
weforum.org
Gender Gap Report 2025
Global Gender Gap Index 2025 benchmarks gender parity across 148 economies, offering trend analysis, key findings, and insights into progress since 2006.
100
Kalpana Kotagal @kotagaleeoc.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
Happy Women's History Month! I'd like to start off the month by honoring a living monument of women's history; Mexican-American feminist, activist & labor organizer, Dolores Huerta. She co-founded United Farm Workers in 1962 - now the largest farmworker organization in the U.S.
130
Kalpana Kotagal @kotagaleeoc.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
As #BlackHistoryMonth concludes, I'd like to highlight some of the U.S. EEOC's enforcement efforts on behalf of Black workers. This month & every month, the agency continues to investigate, litigate & resolve righteous charges of discrimination against Black workers nationwide.
100
Kalpana Kotagal @kotagaleeoc.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
I voted against the EEOC's decision in Selina S. v. Driscoll. Here is my full statement: www.linkedin.com/posts/kalpan...
linkedin.com
Kotagal Statement re Selina S v Driscoll | Kalpana Kotagal
I voted against the EEOC’s federal sector decision in Selina S. v. Driscoll, which held that it is not a violation of Title VII to deny an employee access to the restroom that matches their gender ide...
021
Kalpana Kotagal @kotagaleeoc.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
As #BlackHistoryMonth continues, I'd like to honor activist & trailblazer, Marsha P. Johnson. From the front lines of Stonewall in 1969 to sheltering unhoused trans youth, her early advocacy for gay & trans rights helped further equal protections under the law.
110
Kalpana Kotagal @kotagaleeoc.bsky.social · 06/02/2026
I had a great visit to the U.S. EEOC Chicago office as part of the agency's REACH Initiative. I met with workers, law students & local advocates to discuss the work of the agency & learn how the agency can better meet the needs of vulnerable workers in the area.
100
Kalpana Kotagal @kotagaleeoc.bsky.social · 03/02/2026
Happy Black History Month! 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of national Black history commemorations, thanks to Dr. Carter Woodson's leadership in 1926 & beyond. The week-long celebration Woodson created evolved into the Black History Month we know today: www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
nytimes.com
As Black History Month Turns 100, a Look Back at How It Began
Black History Month has been celebrated in the United States for close to 100 years but what is it exactly and how did it begin?
110
Kalpana Kotagal @kotagaleeoc.bsky.social · 30/01/2026
The EEOC has been an enforcer of workers’ civil rights for 6 decades. Our career staff continue that vital work. Our Office of General Counsel is hiring. I encourage attorneys who are committed to enforcing the civil rights laws and to protecting workers across the country to apply. lnkd.in/eP_GPBDV
lnkd.in
USAJOBS connects job seekers with federal jobs across the United States and around the world as the official employment site for the federal government
As a Trial Attorney (Civil Rights) at the GS-0905-13/14, you will be part of the Office of General Counsel, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. If selected, you will have the full range of respon...
020
Kalpana Kotagal @kotagaleeoc.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
Today, I voted against the EEOC’s rescission of the Enforcement Guidance on Harassment in the Workplace. Attached is my full statement.
053
Kalpana Kotagal @kotagaleeoc.bsky.social · 19/01/2026
Today we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., whose tireless activism led to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which created the U.S. EEOC. His poignant quote, "injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere," serves as a daily reminder in our agency's Headquarters.
110
Kalpana Kotagal @kotagaleeoc.bsky.social · 02/12/2025
70 years ago, civil rights icon, Rosa Parks, refused to move to the back of a segregated bus & was arrested for her defiance. Her actions ignited the Montgomery bus boycott, 1 of the pivotal events that led to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 & the creation of the EEOC.
100
Kalpana Kotagal @kotagaleeoc.bsky.social · 21/11/2025
The tragic murders of Amber Czech & Outi Hicks remind us that we must do better to protect tradeswomen from violence. These women were just trying to do their jobs. Employers have a responsibility to prevent & address harassment before it escalates. 19thnews.org/2025/11/ambe...
19thnews.org
Amber Czech was murdered at work. Tradeswomen say it could have happened to any of them.
The 20-year-old welder’s killing by her coworker has prompted women in trades across the country to speak out about the harassment they face and the protections they need.
110
Kalpana Kotagal @kotagaleeoc.bsky.social · 21/11/2025
November is #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth. The rich history & invaluable contributions of Native Americans, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, & Indigenous communities continue to shape the fabric of this country. We must work together to ensure their heritage continues to thrive.
120
Kalpana Kotagal @kotagaleeoc.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
Today is Native Women's Equal Pay Day. On average, Native American women earn only 53 cents for every dollar paid to White men - one of the largest wage gaps in the country. This economic inequality perpetuates the many other longstanding systemic barriers Native women face.
110
Kalpana Kotagal @kotagaleeoc.bsky.social · 18/09/2025
My summer was full of enriching conversations with groups across the country. As part of the U.S. EEOC's REACH Initiative, I visited Birmingham & Philly to hear from local advocates & workers about the unique barriers they face at work & how the EEOC can better meet their needs.
110
Kalpana Kotagal @kotagaleeoc.bsky.social · 17/09/2025
Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! Hispanic workers across the country contribute so much to our nation's workplaces. The U.S. EEOC holds employers accountable for discrimination, including discrimination based on a worker's national origin. www.eeoc.gov/laws/guidanc...
eeoc.gov
Questions and Answers: Enforcement Guidance on National Origin Discrimination
On November 21, 2016, the EEOC issued its Enforcement Guidance on National Origin Discrimination, https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/guidance/national-origin-guidance.cfm, a sub-regulatory document that provid...
110
Kalpana Kotagal @kotagaleeoc.bsky.social · 10/09/2025
For the first time, the gender wage gap widened 2 yrs in a row according to Census data. In 2024, women working full-time year-round made 81 cents on the dollar, down from 83 cents in 2023 & 84 cents in 2022. The wage gap was even wider for women of color. www.usatoday.com/story/money/...
usatoday.com
How big is the gender wage gap now? What new Census data shows.
The female-to-male earnings ratio fell in 2024 to 80.9% from 82.7% in 2023. In 2022, the ratio was 84%.
111
Kalpana Kotagal @kotagaleeoc.bsky.social · 03/09/2025
Looking forward to joining this important discussion tomorrow!
020
Kalpana Kotagal @kotagaleeoc.bsky.social · 29/08/2025
Yesterday was Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) Women’s Equal Pay Day. As of 2023, NHPI women working full time, year-round earned 65 cents for every $1 paid to White, non-Hispanic men. This disparity is often hidden by aggregated pay data of AANHPI women generally.
100
Kalpana Kotagal @kotagaleeoc.bsky.social · 10/07/2025
Today is Black Women's Equal Pay Day. Black women working full-time earn only 64.4 cents for every dollar White men make. This gap persists even at the highest levels of education. DC has the largest pay gap in the country for Black women at $59,000.
100
Kalpana Kotagal @kotagaleeoc.bsky.social · 02/07/2025
60 years ago today, the U.S. EEOC opened its doors. I am deeply honored to serve alongside incredibly talented and committed career staff to advance the mission of the EEOC. Check out my video for more on agency's 60 years of work and the work ahead: www.linkedin.com/posts/kalpan...
linkedin.com
On July 2, 1965, 60 years ago today, the doors of the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission opened to the public. | Kalpana Kotagal
On July 2, 1965, 60 years ago today, the doors of the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission opened to the public. I am deeply honored to serve alongside incredibly talented and commit...
010
Kalpana Kotagal @kotagaleeoc.bsky.social · 18/06/2025
Tomorrow is Juneteenth - the 160th anniversary of the day enslaved African Americans in Texas finally got word that they were free. I honor the fortitude of Black Americans & their ancestors who have triumphed & thrived in the face of seemingly insurmountable systemic oppression.
100
Kalpana Kotagal @kotagaleeoc.bsky.social · 17/06/2025
Today is LGBTQIA+ Equal Pay Awareness Day. Studies show that LGBTQ+ workers are paid between 10% - 32% less than their straight and cisgender counterparts. Those wage gaps compound for trans women, non-binary individuals, and LGBTQ+ workers of color.
100