The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is a U.S. federal agency that enforces laws against workplace discrimination. The EEOC investigates discrimination complaints, may take legal action on behalf of victims, and has played a critical role in shaping inclusive employment policies since its inception under the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
Definition of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is a federal agency established under the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Its main purpose is to enforce federal laws that make it illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or an employee because of the person's race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, transgender status, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information. The EEOC investigates complaints of discrimination and has the authority to file lawsuits on behalf of victims against employers.
The EEOC is a government body responsible for enforcing federal non-discrimination laws in employment practices.
During the time of Phyllis Ann Wallace, the EEOC collected and organized substantial public and private sector data, and guided economic and other analyses related to employment discrimination. The Commission also under Eleanor Holmes Norton's leadership, implemented measures to effectively pursue and remedy instances where employers had patterns of discrimination, by setting up affirmative action timetables, defining sexual harassment policies, and establishing minimum employment quotas for previously discriminated groups.
Ultimately, the role of the EEOC remains crucial in ensuring equal employment opportunities for all and serves as a guardian against workplace discrimination, upholding the tenets of the Civil Rights Act.