Federal judge dismisses lawsuit over EEOC changes to gender identity cases

A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit challenging the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's decision to change how it investigates workplace discrimination claims involving gender identity. The court ruled Friday that it lacked jurisdiction over the complaint and that the plaintiff, a Maryland advocacy group, lacked standing to pursue the case.

The judge noted that the agency's decision to alter its approach to gender identity claims is a discretionary enforcement choice not subject to judicial review.

Background of the policy change The EEOC, under its current leadership, moved to align its enforcement practices with a January 2025 executive order that recognizes two unchangeable sexes. The agency has dropped some lawsuits filed on behalf of transgender workers and applied heightened scrutiny to new complaints involving gender identity.

Legal groups representing the plaintiff filed the suit in July 2025. They argued that the agency's approach violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Supreme Court precedent, the Fifth Amendment, and the Administrative Procedure Act.

Statements from the parties A senior litigation director at one of the advocacy groups said the organization is reviewing the ruling and considering next steps. The director added that transgender workers deserve protection from workplace discrimination and that the EEOC cannot choose which workers receive federal protections.

The EEOC declined to comment and referred questions to the Department of Justice, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In its motion to dismiss, the agency argued that courts should not oversee its decisions about which cases to pursue.