The EEOC is scheduled to vote on updating its 25-year old guidance on the use of criminal background checks in employment. This action is timely given the significant growth in criminal background checks since the 1987 guidance. Criminal background checks now impact an estimated 65 million U.S. workers, disproportionately affecting people of color. The updated EEOC guidance will clarify requirements for employers to ensure criminal background checks comply with civil rights laws and do not unjustly restrict employment opportunities.