[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 154 (Wednesday, October 29, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S13509]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       NOMINATION FOR THE EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION

  Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, the nomination of Naomi Churchill-Earp to 
be a member of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in the 
Department of Labor was approved today by the Health, Education, Labor, 
and Pensions Committee, despite concerns about her ability to fairly 
apply employment laws.
  Many of us in the committee have strong reservations about her 
record. A Commissioner of the EEOC must have a record of conduct that 
supports and promotes equality in the workplace. Ms. Churchill-Earp has 
served as an equal employment manager at a number of Federal agencies 
and while serving in these positions, a number of discrimination 
complaints have been filed against her. African Americans, in 
particular, say that she has created a hostile working environment by 
making disparaging remarks about African-American employees. The NAACP 
and Blacks in Government oppose her nomination, and many of us share 
their concerns.
  The committee did not hold a hearing on this important nomination, 
and we did not have the opportunity to question her about her 
qualifications and positions. Unless we have an opportunity to resolve 
these concerns, I intend to oppose this nomination when it reaches the 
full Senate.

                          ____________________