Trump Administration Moves to Stop Collecting Demographic Data on U.S. Workers After 60 Years

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission voted 2-1 to end the mandate requiring employers to submit demographic data on their workforces. This rule has been in place since 1966, forcing companies with at least 100 employees to report the racial, ethnic, and gender composition of their staff.

EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas argued that the data collection is not necessary for law enforcement. During the hearing, she stated the agency believes this reporting promotes racial stereotyping rather than reducing it. The Commission now asserts that its investigative authority serves as a more reliable tool to identify discriminatory practices than broad statistical reporting.

The proposal faces criticism from civil rights advocates who argue that removing this data makes it harder to monitor trends in hiring and promotion. Commissioner Kalpana Kotagal cast the lone dissenting vote, characterizing the decision as a setback for civil rights protections.

Before the change becomes official, there will be a 30-day public comment period. This decision arrives amid a broader administration effort to reduce government oversight of diversity and inclusion initiatives in the private sector. The agency processed over 88,000 discrimination charges in the 2025 fiscal year, maintaining a significant role in handling employment disputes across the country.