Question

Which two of the following statements describe the purpose of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)?

1) To enforce federal laws that make it illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or an employee based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information.
2) To provide oversight and regulation of workplace safety and health standards.
3) To investigate complaints of discrimination and harassment in the workplace.
4) To promote equal employment opportunities and affirmative action programs.
5) To provide training and education on equal employment opportunity laws and regulations.

Answer 1

The purpose of the EEOC is to enforce laws against discrimination in employment and to investigate workplace discrimination complaints. They uphold Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which protects employees against discrimination based on specific characteristics.

Step-by-step explanation:

The purpose of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) includes two primary functions:

1. To enforce federal laws that make it illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or an employee based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information.
2. To investigate complaints of discrimination and harassment in the workplace.

The EEOC plays a crucial role in upholding the principles outlined in Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. It ensures that employment practices are fair and free from bias based on the protected characteristics mentioned above. The Commission also actively investigates allegations of workplace discrimination and is integral in the protection of civil rights within employment. Moreover, the leadership within the EEOC, such as Eleanor Holmes Norton, has historically played an instrumental role in furthering the protection of rights for women and minorities, and defining sexual harassment as a violation of civil rights.