The Unites States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is the Federal agency responsible for investigating discrimination claims brought under and enforcing Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Equal Pay Act (EPA). States and cities also have agencies that enforce state and local anti-discrimination statutes and ordinances.
The way in which you proceed before the EEOC and/or the state agency investigating your claim may impact your rights and can even limit the remedies available to you. The Law Offices of Stephan T. Mashel have experience handling matters before the EEOC and its state counterparts. Call us today for a free consultation regarding your pending matter before the EEOC or the state or local agency in your jurisdiction.
Overview
The U.S. 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 (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information. It is also illegal to discriminate against a person because the person complained about discrimination, filed a charge of discrimination, or participated in an employment discrimination investigation or lawsuit.
Most employers with at least 15 employees are covered by EEOC laws (20 employees in age discrimination cases). Most labor unions and employment agencies are also covered.
The laws apply to all types of work situations, including hiring, firing, promotions, harassment, training, wages, and benefits.
Authority & Role
The EEOC has the authority to investigate charges of discrimination against employers who are covered by the law. Our role in an investigation is to fairly and accurately assess the allegations in the charge and then make a finding. If we find that discrimination has occurred, we will try to settle the charge. If we aren’t successful, we have the authority to file a lawsuit to protect the rights of individuals and the interests of the public. We do not, however, file lawsuits in all cases where we find discrimination.
We also work to prevent discrimination before it occurs through outreach, education and technical assistance programs.
The EEOC provides leadership and guidance to federal agencies on all aspects of the federal government’s equal employment opportunity program. EEOC assures federal agency and department compliance with EEOC regulations, provides technical assistance to federal agencies concerning EEO complaint adjudication, monitors and evaluates federal agencies’ affirmative employment programs, develops and distributes federal sector educational materials and conducts training for stakeholders, provides guidance and assistance to our Administrative Judges who conduct hearings on EEO complaints, and adjudicates appeals from administrative decisions made by federal agencies on EEO complaints.
Location
We carry out our work through our headquarters offices in Washington, D.C. and through 53 field offices serving every part of the nation.
Laws & Guidance
Read about the federal laws enforced by the EEOC.
Find our current regulations, read and comment on proposed regulations, and see our regulatory agenda.
EEOC Compliance Manual, Enforcement Guidances and related documents
Although they do not represent Commission policy or legal opinions, these letters from the EEOC’s Office of Legal Counsel offer technical assistance in response to questions from the public on how the EEO laws may apply in particular fact situations.
Workplace Laws Not Enforced by the EEOC
Federal laws prohibiting discrimination or regulating workplace issues that are not enforced by the EEOC.
Laws, regulations and policy guidance, and also fact sheets, Q&As, best practices, and other information organized by basis of discrimination.
