The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) proudly announces Amrith Kaur Aakre as the newly appointed director of its Chicago District. Aakre, renowned for her impactful contributions as the legal director for the Sikh Coalition, officially assumed her position on Jan. 29, 2024.

EEOC Chair Charlotte A. Burrows expressed confidence in Aakre, stating, "Ms. Aakre has a proven track record of creative problem-solving, broad management experience, and a deep commitment to civil rights. I am pleased that she will be joining the EEOC’s Chicago District."

In her role, Aakre brings a wealth of experience, having led a national civil rights practice focusing on high-impact, systemic litigation. Her areas of expertise include workplace discrimination, hate crimes, school discrimination, racial profiling, and bias-based policy issues. Aakre's leadership at the Sikh Coalition resulted in the drafting of significant amicus briefs, including one cited by the Supreme Court in the recent religious accommodation case, Groff v. DeJoy.

Expressing gratitude for her appointment, Aakre stated, "I have incredible respect for the EEOC and its mission to advance equal employment opportunities for all. I look forward to working together with the dedicated members of the Chicago District to create impactful change and combat unlawful employment discrimination across our region."

Aakre's commitment to civil rights extends beyond her legal career. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the ACLU of Illinois, the South Asian Bar Association (SABA) of Chicago, and the leadership committee for the American Bar Association’s Religious Liberty Section. Recognized for her outstanding contributions, she received the 2022 SABA North America's Public Interest Achievement Award, the 2023 and 2021 SABA Chicago’s Public Interest Lawyer Award, and the 2017 Asian American Coalition of Chicago's Community Service award.

Aakre holds dual bachelor’s degrees in applied science and technology engineering and English literature from The George Washington University, along with a juris doctor from The University of Illinois at Chicago Law School.

The EEOC’s Chicago District, under Aakre's leadership, will continue its mandate of processing charges of discrimination, administrative enforcement, and agency litigation in Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and North and South Dakota.

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