Jacqueline A. Berrien

(Washington, D.C.) – This weekend President Obama announced a number of recess appointments of critical nominees whose confirmations had been stalled in the Senate. Among these appointments were three commissioners and the general counsel of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”). Jacqueline Berrien, Associate Director Counsel for the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, is being appointed as Chair of the EEOC. The Legal Defense Fund commends the President for taking action to fill these critical positions.

John Payton, President and Director-Counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund said: “LDF commends President Obama for filling the vacant seats on the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. As with many other critical positions, the unwarranted delays in filling these positions has hampered the Government’s ability to meet critical needs of the American people. With the EEOC now brought to full strength, we look forward to it performing its vital responsibility of enforcing anti-discrimination laws protecting job applicants and employees.”

“We are especially proud that our colleague, Jacqueline A. Berrien, whom President Obama is appointing Chair of the Commission, will now be able to provide the energetic leadership this task deserves. We look forward to the Senate acting quickly to confirm the entire slate of EEOC appointees,” continued Payton.