Final answer:
The EEOC enforces federal laws against employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and other categories. The correct answer to the question is option B. requiring employers to treat all workers with fairness.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is responsible for enforcing federal laws that make it illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or an employee because of the person's race, color, religion, sex (which includes pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.
The 1964 Civil Rights Act established the EEOC to investigate employment discrimination and enforce laws against it. Provisions in the act prohibit employment discrimination based on various categories, including race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. The work of the EEOC has evolved over the years, with figures like Eleanor Holmes Norton working aggressively to implement its mission related to women and minorities, establishing guidelines around affirmative action, and defining sexual harassment as a violation of civil rights.
Looking at the options provided in the question:
A. The EEOC is not primarily responsible for worker health and safety—that falls under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
B. Requiring employers to treat all workers with fairness aligns with the EEOC's mission to enforce laws against discrimination in the workplace.
C. The EEOC investigates prejudicial treatment but does not show it; it actually works to combat bias.
D. The EEOC does not directly create bargaining power; labor unions typically serve that purpose.
Therefore, the correct answer is B. requiring employers to treat all workers with fairness.