Case: State of Texas v. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

2:24-cv-00173 | U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas

Filed Date: Aug. 15, 2024

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This case challenges the EEOC’s April 2024 guidance under Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act about workplace harassment of transgender employees. Represented by the Heritage Foundation, Texas contested the EEOC’s interpretation of Title VII; in particular, Texas alleged, the parts of the Guidance about pronouns, bathrooms, and dress codes conflicted with the U.S. Supreme Court's carefully limited holding in Bostock v. Clayton County, 590 U.S. 644 (2020), and with Title VII, which (Texas arg…

This case challenges the EEOC’s April 2024 guidance under Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act about workplace harassment of transgender employees. Represented by the Heritage Foundation, Texas contested the EEOC’s interpretation of Title VII; in particular, Texas alleged, the parts of the Guidance about pronouns, bathrooms, and dress codes conflicted with the U.S. Supreme Court's carefully limited holding in Bostock v. Clayton County, 590 U.S. 644 (2020), and with Title VII, which (Texas argued) does not require employers to accommodate sex, but merely requires non-discrimination. Texas filed the case on August 15, 2024, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, seeking an injunction to stop implementation and enforcement of the 2024 Guidance, because it was not (as it should have been) published in the Federal Register, was contrary to law, arbitrary and capricious, and exceeded EEOC's statutory rulemaking authority under the Administrative Procedure Act. 

This case is a follow-up to a case brought by Texas against the EEOC about its similar 2022 workplace harassment guidance regarding transgender employees; in that case, District Judge Matthew J. Kacsmaryk ruled that the EEOC exceeded its statutory rulemaking by “...conflat[ing] protected class status with all correlated conduct.” Texas v. EEOC, 2022 WL 4835346 at *13 (N.D. Tex. 2022) (emphasis included).

In October and November 2024, both parties sought summary judgment. But in January 2025, President Trump was inaugurated and immediately issued several Executive Orders taking the position that there is no obligation to avoid discrimination against transgender people. On January 27, 2025, Judge Kacsmaryk ordered the parties to submit a joint brief detailing how new Executive Orders bear on the disposition of the litigation. As of March 2025, the parties have yet to submit the joint brief. 

Summary Authors

Ashley Hamilton (2/5/2025)

Related Cases

State of Texas v. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Northern District of Texas (2021)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69048644/parties/state-of-texas-v-equal-employment-opportunity-commission/


Judge(s)

Kacsmaryk, Matthew Joseph (Texas)

Attorney for Plaintiff

McCotter, R Trent (Texas)

Attorney for Defendant

Goodnature, Taisa M. (Texas)

Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

Chandy, Sunu (Texas)

Goetz, Sarah (Texas)

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
1

2:24-cv-00173

Complaint

Aug. 15, 2024

Aug. 15, 2024

Complaint
8

2:24-cv-00173

Application for Admission Pro Hac Vice

Aug. 27, 2024

Aug. 27, 2024

Other
53-1

2:24-cv-00173

Exhibit

No Court

Feb. 10, 2025

Feb. 10, 2025

Other
53

2:24-cv-00173

Joint Brief on Effect of Recent Executive Order

Feb. 10, 2025

Feb. 10, 2025

Pleading / Motion / Brief

Resources

Title Description External URL Date / External URL

EO 14168 - Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government

President Donald Trump

Declaring that the United States government recognized two biologically-defined sexes, male and female and implementing this definition of gender in various legal spaces, including but not limited to… Jan. 20, 2025

Jan. 20, 2025

https://www.federalregister.gov/...

Federal judge requires state of Texas to file new lawsuit to challenge recent EEOC guidance on gender identity discrimination

Emily Harbison, Cheryl Blount, Heather Raun

In July of this year, a Texas federal district court judge denied the state of Texas’ request to vacate the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC) most recent guidance relating to gender id… Sept. 3, 2024

Sept. 3, 2024

https://www.employmentlawwatch.com/...

Texas Federal Court Nixes Initial Challenge to EEOC’s Guidance on LGBTQ+ Protections

Nonnie L. Shivers

On July 17, 2024, the U.S. District for the Northern District of Texas rejected the State of Texas’s request that it vacate recent guidance from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC… July 25, 2024

July 25, 2024

https://ogletree.com/...

Dear Colleague Letter [rescinding prior letters relating to bathroom access for trans students]

Sandra Battle & T.E. Wheeler

Feb. 22, 2017

Feb. 22, 2017

https://assets.documentcloud.org/...

Dear Colleague Letter on Transgender Students

Catherine E. Lhamon and Vanita Gupta

May 13, 2016

May 13, 2016

https://www2.ed.gov/...

Examples of Policies and Emerging Practices for Supporting Transgender Students

United States Department of Education

May 2016

May 1, 2016

https://www2.ed.gov/...

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/69048644/state-of-texas-v-equal-employment-opportunity-commission/

Last updated April 28, 2025, 3:12 p.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT against All Defendants filed by The Heritage Foundation, State of Texas. (Filing fee $405; Receipt number ATXNDC-14843641) Clerk to issue summons(es). In each Notice of Electronic Filing, the judge assignment is indicated, and a link to the Judges Copy Requirements and Judge Specific Requirements is provided. The court reminds the filer that any required copy of this and future documents must be delivered to the judge, in the manner prescribed, within three business days of filing. Unless exempted, attorneys who are not admitted to practice in the Northern District of Texas must seek admission promptly. Forms, instructions, and exemption information may be found at www.txnd.uscourts.gov, or by clicking here: Attorney Information - Bar Membership. If admission requirements are not satisfied within 21 days, the clerk will notify the presiding judge. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit(s)) (Walters, Ryan) (Entered: 08/15/2024)

1 Exhibit(s)

View on RECAP

Aug. 15, 2024

Aug. 15, 2024

Clearinghouse
2

Supplemental Document by State of Texas, The Heritage Foundation as to 1 Complaint,,,, Civil Cover Sheet. (Walters, Ryan) (Entered: 08/15/2024)

Aug. 15, 2024

Aug. 15, 2024

RECAP
3

CERTIFICATE OF INTERESTED PERSONS/DISCLOSURE STATEMENT by State of Texas, The Heritage Foundation. (Clerk QC note: No affiliate entered in ECF). (Walters, Ryan) (Entered: 08/15/2024)

Aug. 15, 2024

Aug. 15, 2024

RECAP
4

New Case Notes: A filing fee has been paid. Pursuant to Misc. Order 6, Plaintiff is provided the Notice of Right to Consent to Proceed Before A U.S. Magistrate Judge (No magistrate judge assigned). Clerk to provide copy to plaintiff if not received electronically. (awc) (Entered: 08/16/2024)

Aug. 16, 2024

Aug. 16, 2024

RECAP
5

Summons issued as to Charlotte A. Burrows, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Merrick Garland, U.S. Attorney, and U.S. Attorney General. (awc) (Entered: 08/16/2024)

Aug. 16, 2024

Aug. 16, 2024

RECAP
6

Application for Admission Pro Hac Vice with Certificate of Good Standing (Filing fee $100; Receipt number ATXNDC-14846989) filed by The Heritage Foundation Attorney R Trent McCotter added to party The Heritage Foundation(pty:pla) (McCotter, R Trent) (Entered: 08/16/2024)

Aug. 16, 2024

Aug. 16, 2024

RECAP
7

ORDER deferring ruling on 6 Application for Admission Pro Hac Vice: The Application is therefore DEFERRED for 14 days from the date of this Order soThe Heritage Foundation can comply with the Local Rules. (Ordered by Judge Matthew J. Kacsmaryk on 8/21/2024) (cmk) (Entered: 08/21/2024)

Aug. 21, 2024

Aug. 21, 2024

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8

Application for Admission Pro Hac Vice with Certificate of Good Standing (Clerk Note: Filer states no fee is to be collected due to prior payment or waiver by MO 16 or prior order.) filed by The Heritage Foundation (McCotter, R) (Entered: 08/27/2024)

Aug. 27, 2024

Aug. 27, 2024

Clearinghouse
9

ORDER terminating 6 ; granting 8 Application for Admission Pro Hac Vice. Important Reminder: Unless excused for cause, an attorney who is not an ECF user must register within 14 days of the date the attorney appears in a case pursuant to LR 5.1(f) and LCrR 49.2(g). (Ordered by Judge Matthew J. Kacsmaryk on 9/3/2024) (cmk) (Entered: 09/03/2024)

Sept. 3, 2024

Sept. 3, 2024

RECAP
10

SUMMONS Returned Executed as to Charlotte A. Burrows ; served on 8/22/2024. (Walters, Ryan) (Entered: 09/06/2024)

Sept. 6, 2024

Sept. 6, 2024

RECAP
11

SUMMONS Returned Executed as to Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ; served on 8/22/2024. (Walters, Ryan) (Entered: 09/06/2024)

Sept. 6, 2024

Sept. 6, 2024

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12

SUMMONS Returned Executed as to Merrick Garland ; served on 8/22/2024. (Walters, Ryan) (Entered: 09/06/2024)

Sept. 6, 2024

Sept. 6, 2024

RECAP
13

ORDER: Smith is therefore ORDERED either to submit an application for admission pro hac vice or to gain admission to practice in the Northern District of Texas within 21 days from the date of this Order. (Ordered by Judge Matthew J. Kacsmaryk on 9/17/2024) (nht) (Entered: 09/17/2024)

Sept. 17, 2024

Sept. 17, 2024

RECAP
14

Application for Admission Pro Hac Vice with Certificate of Good Standing (Filing fee $100; Receipt number ATXNDC-14950687) filed by The Heritage Foundation (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order) (Smith, Andrew) (Entered: 09/27/2024)

1 Proposed Order

View on RECAP

Sept. 27, 2024

Sept. 27, 2024

RECAP
15

MOTION by all Parties to Stay Answer Deadline and for Entry of a Scheduling Order filed by State of Texas, The Heritage Foundation with Brief/Memorandum in Support. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order) (Walters, Ryan) (Entered: 09/27/2024)

1 Proposed Order

View on RECAP

Sept. 27, 2024

Sept. 27, 2024

RECAP
16

NOTICE of Attorney Appearance by Allyson Scher on behalf of Charlotte A. Burrows, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Merrick Garland. (Filer confirms contact info in ECF is current.) (Scher, Allyson) (Entered: 09/30/2024)

Sept. 30, 2024

Sept. 30, 2024

RECAP
17

NOTICE of Attorney Appearance by Jacob S Siler on behalf of Charlotte A. Burrows, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Merrick Garland. (Filer confirms contact info in ECF is current.) (Siler, Jacob) (Entered: 09/30/2024)

Sept. 30, 2024

Sept. 30, 2024

RECAP
18

Certificate Regarding Judge-Specific Requirements. (Siler, Jacob) (Entered: 09/30/2024)

Sept. 30, 2024

Sept. 30, 2024

RECAP
19

Certificate Regarding Judge-Specific Requirements. (Scher, Allyson) (Entered: 09/30/2024)

Sept. 30, 2024

Sept. 30, 2024

RECAP
20

Certificate Regarding Judge-Specific Requirements. (McCotter, R) (Entered: 09/30/2024)

Sept. 30, 2024

Sept. 30, 2024

RECAP
21

Certificate Regarding Judge-Specific Requirements. (Przada, Jacob) (Entered: 09/30/2024)

Sept. 30, 2024

Sept. 30, 2024

RECAP
22

Certificate Regarding Judge-Specific Requirements. (Walters, Ryan) (Entered: 09/30/2024)

Sept. 30, 2024

Sept. 30, 2024

RECAP
23

Certificate Regarding Judge-Specific Requirements. (Tebo, Kyle) (Entered: 09/30/2024)

Sept. 30, 2024

Sept. 30, 2024

RECAP
24

ORDER granting 14 Application for Admission Pro Hac Vice of Andrew W Smith. Important Reminder: Unless excused for cause, an attorney who is not an ECF user must register within 14 days of the date the attorney appears in a case pursuant to LR 5.1(f) and LCrR 49.2(g). (Ordered by Judge Matthew J. Kacsmaryk on 10/3/2024) (nht) (Entered: 10/03/2024)

Oct. 3, 2024

Oct. 3, 2024

RECAP
25

SCHEDULING ORDER re: 15 Motion. (See Order for deadlines) (Ordered by Judge Matthew J. Kacsmaryk on 10/3/2024) (nht) (Entered: 10/03/2024)

Oct. 3, 2024

Oct. 3, 2024

RECAP
26

Certificate Regarding Judge-Specific Requirements. (Smith, Andrew) (Entered: 10/07/2024)

Oct. 7, 2024

Oct. 7, 2024

RECAP
27

Unopposed MOTION to Withdraw as Attorney Johnathan Stone filed by State of Texas (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order) (Stone, Johnathan) (Entered: 10/11/2024)

1 Proposed Order

View on RECAP

Oct. 11, 2024

Oct. 11, 2024

RECAP
28

ORDER granting 27 Motion to Withdraw as Attorney. Attorney Johnathan Stone terminated (Ordered by Judge Matthew J. Kacsmaryk on 10/15/2024) (nht) (Entered: 10/15/2024)

Oct. 15, 2024

Oct. 15, 2024

RECAP
29

MOTION for Summary Judgment filed by State of Texas, The Heritage Foundation (Walters, Ryan) (Entered: 10/23/2024)

Oct. 23, 2024

Oct. 23, 2024

RECAP
30

Brief/Memorandum in Support filed by State of Texas, The Heritage Foundation re 29 MOTION for Summary Judgment (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order) (Walters, Ryan) (Entered: 10/23/2024)

1 Proposed Order

View on RECAP

Oct. 23, 2024

Oct. 23, 2024

RECAP
31

Appendix in Support filed by State of Texas, The Heritage Foundation re 30 Brief/Memorandum in Support of Motion, 29 MOTION for Summary Judgment (Walters, Ryan) (Entered: 10/23/2024)

Oct. 23, 2024

Oct. 23, 2024

RECAP
32

NOTICE of Attorney Appearance by Taisa M. Goodnature on behalf of Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Charlotte A. Burrows, Merrick Garland. (Filer confirms contact info in ECF is current.) (Goodnature, Taisa) (Entered: 11/13/2024)

Nov. 13, 2024

Nov. 13, 2024

RECAP
33

Certificate Regarding Judge-Specific Requirements. (Goodnature, Taisa) (Entered: 11/13/2024)

Nov. 13, 2024

Nov. 13, 2024

RECAP
34

Cross MOTION for Summary Judgment and Response in Opposition to Plaintiffs' Motion for Summary Judgment filed by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Charlotte A. Burrows, Merrick Garland (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order) (Siler, Jacob) (Entered: 11/13/2024)

1 Proposed Order

View on RECAP

Nov. 13, 2024

Nov. 13, 2024

RECAP
35

Brief/Memorandum in Support filed by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Charlotte A. Burrows, Merrick Garland re 34 Cross MOTION for Summary Judgment and Response in Opposition to Plaintiffs' Motion for Summary Judgment (Siler, Jacob) (Entered: 11/13/2024)

Nov. 13, 2024

Nov. 13, 2024

RECAP
36

Unopposed MOTION for Leave to File amicus brief in support of defendant EEOC filed by National Women's Law Center (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit(s) Proposed amicus brief). Party National Women's Law Center added.Attorney Elizabeth Theran added to party National Women's Law Center(pty:am) (Theran, Elizabeth) (Entered: 11/20/2024)

1 Exhibit(s) Proposed amicus brief

View on PACER

Nov. 20, 2024

Nov. 20, 2024

PACER
37

Certificate Regarding Judge-Specific Requirements. (Theran, Elizabeth) (Entered: 11/20/2024)

Nov. 20, 2024

Nov. 20, 2024

PACER
38

Application for Admission Pro Hac Vice with Certificate of Good Standing (Filing fee $100; Receipt number ATXNDC-15076662) filed by National Women's Law Center (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit(s) Certificate of Good Standing) (Theran, Elizabeth) (Entered: 11/20/2024)

Nov. 20, 2024

Nov. 20, 2024

PACER
39

Application for Admission Pro Hac Vice with Certificate of Good Standing (Filing fee $100; Receipt number ATXNDC-15076543) filed by National Women's Law Center (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit(s) Certificate of Good Standing) (Sandson, Katherine) (Entered: 11/20/2024)

Nov. 20, 2024

Nov. 20, 2024

PACER
40

Application for Admission Pro Hac Vice with Certificate of Good Standing (Filing fee $100; Receipt number ATXNDC-15077143) filed by National Women's Law Center (Smith, Rachel) (Entered: 11/20/2024)

Nov. 20, 2024

Nov. 20, 2024

PACER
41

Unopposed MOTION for Leave to File amicus brief and to proceed without local counsel filed by Small Business Majority, Main Street Alliance, American Sustainable Business Council (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit(s) Proposed Amicus Brief). Party Small Business Majority, Main Street Alliance, and American Sustainable Business Council added.Attorney Sarah Goetz added to party Small Business Majority(pty:am), Attorney Sarah Goetz added to party Main Street Alliance(pty:am), Attorney Sarah Goetz added to party American Sustainable Business Council(pty:am) (Goetz, Sarah) (Entered: 11/20/2024)

1 Exhibit(s) Proposed Amicus Brief

View on PACER

Nov. 20, 2024

Nov. 20, 2024

PACER
42

Application for Admission Pro Hac Vice with Certificate of Good Standing (Filing fee $100; Receipt number ATXNDC-15078610) filed by Small Business Majority, Main Street Alliance, American Sustainable Business Council (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit(s) Certificate of Good Standing) (Goetz, Sarah) (Entered: 11/20/2024)

Nov. 20, 2024

Nov. 20, 2024

PACER
43

Certificate Regarding Judge-Specific Requirements. (Goetz, Sarah) (Entered: 11/20/2024)

Nov. 20, 2024

Nov. 20, 2024

PACER
44

Application for Admission Pro Hac Vice with Certificate of Good Standing (Filing fee $100; Receipt number ATXNDC-15080565) filed by Small Business Majority, Main Street Alliance, American Sustainable Business Council Attorney Sunu Chandy added to party Small Business Majority(pty:am), Attorney Sunu Chandy added to party Main Street Alliance(pty:am), Attorney Sunu Chandy added to party American Sustainable Business Council(pty:am) (Chandy, Sunu) (Entered: 11/21/2024)

Nov. 21, 2024

Nov. 21, 2024

PACER
45

ORDER granting 36 Motion for Leave to File; granting 41 Motion for Leave to File (Unless the document has already been filed, clerk to enter the document as of the date of this order.); granting 38 Application for Admission Pro Hac Vice; granting 39 Application for Admission Pro Hac Vice; granting 40 Application for Admission Pro Hac Vice; granting 42 Application for Admission Pro Hac Vice; granting 44 Application for Admission Pro Hac Vice. Important Reminder: Unless excused for cause, an attorney who is not an ECF user must register within 14 days of the date the attorney appears in a case pursuant to LR 5.1(f) and LCrR 49.2(g). (Ordered by Judge Matthew J. Kacsmaryk on 11/26/2024) (cmk) (Entered: 11/26/2024)

Nov. 26, 2024

Nov. 26, 2024

PACER
46

AMICUS BRIEF/Memorandum in Support filed by National Women's Law Center re 34 Cross MOTION for Summary Judgment and Response in Opposition to Plaintiffs' Motion for Summary Judgment (cmk) (Entered: 11/26/2024)

Nov. 26, 2024

Nov. 26, 2024

PACER
47

AMICUS BRIEF/Memorandum in Support filed by Small Business Majority, Main Street Alliance, American Sustainable Business Council re 34 Cross MOTION for Summary Judgment and Response in Opposition to Plaintiffs' Motion for Summary Judgment (cmk) (Entered: 11/26/2024)

Nov. 26, 2024

Nov. 26, 2024

PACER
48

REPLY in Support filed by State of Texas, The Heritage Foundation re 30 Brief/Memorandum in Support of Motion, 31 Appendix in Support, 34 Cross MOTION for Summary Judgment and Response in Opposition to Plaintiffs' Motion for Summary Judgment, 35 Brief/Memorandum in Support of Motion, 29 MOTION for Summary Judgment (Walters, Ryan) Modified docket text on 12/5/2024 (cmk). (Entered: 12/04/2024)

Dec. 4, 2024

Dec. 4, 2024

PACER
49

MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply to 48 Brief/Memorandum in Support of Motion, filed by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Charlotte A. Burrows, Merrick Garland (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order) (Siler, Jacob) (Entered: 12/11/2024)

Dec. 11, 2024

Dec. 11, 2024

PACER
50

ORDER granting 49 Motion to Extend Time to File Reply: Accordingly, the Court hereby GRANTS Defendants' Motion and ORDERS Defendants to file their reply no later than Friday, January 10, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. (Ordered by Judge Matthew J. Kacsmaryk on 12/26/2024) (cmk) (Entered: 12/26/2024)

Dec. 26, 2024

Dec. 26, 2024

PACER
51

REPLY filed by Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Charlotte A. Burrows, Merrick Garland re: 34 Cross MOTION for Summary Judgment and Response in Opposition to Plaintiffs' Motion for Summary Judgment (Siler, Jacob) (Entered: 01/10/2025)

Jan. 10, 2025

Jan. 10, 2025

PACER
52

ORDER: The Court ORDERS the parties to submit a joint brief detailing how this executive order bears on the disposition of this litigation. The joint brief must be submitted on or before Monday, February 10, 2025. (Ordered by Judge Matthew J. Kacsmaryk on 1/27/2025) (nht)

Jan. 27, 2025

Jan. 27, 2025

RECAP
53

NOTICE of Joint Brief on Effect of Recent Executive Order re: [52] Order Setting Deadline/Hearing, filed by State of Texas, The Heritage Foundation (Attachments: # (1) Exhibit(s)) (Walters, Ryan)

1 Exhibit(s)

View on Clearinghouse

Feb. 10, 2025

Feb. 10, 2025

Clearinghouse
54

MOTION to Withdraw as Attorney filed by Charlotte A. Burrows, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Merrick Garland (Attachments: # (1) Proposed Order) (Goodnature, Taisa)

1 Proposed Order

View on RECAP

Feb. 28, 2025

Feb. 28, 2025

RECAP
55

ORDER: the Court ORDERS that Merrick Garland, former Attorney General of the United States, be terminated as a party and that Pamela Bondi, current Attorney General of the United States, be substituted. (Ordered by Judge Matthew J. Kacsmaryk on 3/3/2025) (ars)

March 3, 2025

March 3, 2025

RECAP
56

ORDER GRANTING re: [54] Motion to Withdraw as Attorney. Attorney Taisa M. Goodnature terminated. (Ordered by Judge Matthew J. Kacsmaryk on 3/3/2025) (ars)

March 3, 2025

March 3, 2025

RECAP
58

Order on Motion to Withdraw as Attorney

April 2, 2025

April 2, 2025

PACER

Case Details