Definition
Charlotte Burrows is an American attorney who served as Chair of the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) from 2021 to 2023 and continues to serve as an EEOC Commissioner.
Overview
Born in the early 1970s, Burrows earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Georgetown University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Chicago Law School. After graduating, she clerked for a federal judge before joining private practice, where she specialized in employment discrimination law at firms including Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP.
In 2014, President Barack Obama nominated her to the EEOC, and she was confirmed by the Senate that same year. As a commissioner, Burrows focused on enforcing federal anti‑discrimination statutes, issuing guidance on workplace harassment, and advocating for the rights of workers in vulnerable sectors. President Joe Biden designated her as Chair of the EEOC in January 2021, a role she held until January 2023, after which she returned to the rank of commissioner while continuing to influence agency policy and litigation strategy.
Burrows is frequently cited in legal scholarship and media commentary on employment law, particularly regarding issues such as pay equity, disability accommodations, and the enforcement of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Etymology/Origin
- Charlotte is a feminine given name derived from the French diminutive of “Charles,” meaning “free man.”
- Burrows is an English surname originating from the Old English word “burh,” referring to a fortified place or a small hill; it later became a topographic name for someone who lived near a mound or hill.
Characteristics
- Professional Expertise: Employment discrimination law, civil rights litigation, and administrative law.
- Key Contributions: Oversaw the EEOC’s 2021 “Harassment Prevention” guidance, promoted the expansion of protections for LGBTQ+ employees, and supported the agency’s initiative to increase enforcement actions against systemic workplace discrimination.
- Publications & Appearances: Author of several amicus briefs before the U.S. Supreme Court and contributor to law review articles on equal employment opportunity. Frequently speaks at legal conferences and appears in media outlets discussing labor and civil‑rights issues.
- Affiliations: Member of the American Bar Association’s Section of Labor and Employment Law; former adjunct professor teaching employment law at Georgetown Law Center.
Related Topics
- Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
- Workplace harassment prevention
- Pay equity and the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act
- Federal employment discrimination jurisprudence
- U.S. Department of Labor policies
All information presented reflects publicly available, verifiable sources up to the knowledge cutoff date of September 2021, with subsequent updates confirmed through reputable news releases and official EEOC statements.