Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
Candlefocus EditorThe EEOC was established as part of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act in 1964, which prohibited employment discrimination on any of the enumerated characteristics–race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Employers are subject to the jurisdiction of the EEOC if they have fifteen or more employees (twenty or more when it comes to age discrimination cases). This includes the federal government, local and state government agencies, private employers, unions, labor organizations, and joint labor-management committees.
The primary job of the EEOC is to investigate charges brought against employers for various forms of discrimination and to mediate and resolve disputes between employees and employers. In 2020, the EEOC began to also prioritize proactive prevention and enforcement activities to foster compliance with equal employment opportunity laws and promote voluntary compliance throughout society. The EEOC also works to educate the public about their rights and responsibilities under the law, in addition to providing technical assistance to employers, unions, and the public in understanding their rights and responsibilities.
The EEOC enforces laws that prohibit age discrimination, which applies to individuals over the age of 40. It is illegal for an employer to discriminate in compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment on the basis of age. This includes activities such as hiring, firing, promotion, layoffs, training, recruitment and retention, compensation, benefits, and age-based decision making.
The ADA and Rehabilitation Act of 1973 also guarantees rights and opportunities for people with disabilities by prohibiting any type of discrimination in any program, activity, or service that has any connection to the federal government. The EEOC is responsible for enforcing and protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities, which includes training and technical assistance for employers and employees, in addition to investigating complaints of discrimination.
By keeping the workforce free from discrimination and ensuring equal opportunities for all employees, the EEOC helps promote a healthy, diverse, and fair environment that can only benefit businesses and employees alike.