Equal Employment Opportunity Commission(EEOC)

Written By Thralea .

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces Federal laws that protect you from discrimination in employment. If you believe you’ve been discriminated against at work or in applying for a job, the EEOC may be able to help.

Who is Protected?

  • Employees (current and former), including managers and temporary employees

  • Job applicants

  • Union members and applicants for membership in a union

What Organizations are covered?

  • Most private employers

  • State and local governments (as employers)

  • Educational institutions (as employers)

  • Unions

  • Staffing agencies

What Types of Employment Discrimination are Illegal?

Under the EEOC’s laws, an employer may not discriminate against you, regardless of your immigration status, on the bases of Race, Color, Religion, National Origin, Sex (including pregnancy and related conditions, sexual orientation, or gender identity), Age (40 & older), Disability, Genetic information (including employer requests for, or purchase, use, or disclosure of genetic tests, genetic services, or family medical history), Retaliation for filing a charge, reasonably opposing discrimination, or participating in a discrimination lawsuit, investigation, or proceeding.

What Employment Practices Can Be Challenged as Discriminatory?

All aspects of employment, including:

  • Discharge, firing, or lay-off

  • Harassment (including unwelcome verbal or physical conduct)

  • Hiring or promotion

  • Assignment

  • Pay (unequal wages or compensation)

  • Failure to provide reasonable accommodation for a disability or a sincerely held religious belief, observance, or practice

  • Benefits

  • Job Training

  • Classification

  • Referral

  • Obtaining or disclosing genetic information of employees requesting or disclosing medical information of employees

  • Conduct that might reasonably discourage someone from opposing discrimination, filing a charge, or participating in an investigation or proceeding.

What Can You Do If You Believe Discrimination Has Occurred?

Contact the EEOC promptly if you suspect discrimination. Do not delay, because there are strict time limits for filing a charge of discrimination (180 or 300 days, depending on where you live/work). You can reach the EEOC in any of the following ways:

Submit an inquiry through the EEOC’s public portal: https://publicportal.eeoc.gov/potal/login.aspx

Call: 1 (800)669-4000 (toll-free) | 1 (800)669-6820 (TTY) | 1 (844)234-5122 (ASL video phone)

Visit an EEOC field office (information at www.eeoc.gov/field-office)

E-mail: info@eeoc.gov

Additional information about the EEOC is available at www.eeoc.gov

Thralea .
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