Legal Definitions - Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is a federal agency that enforces laws against workplace discrimination. It was created by the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, and religion. The EEOC also oversees and coordinates federal equal opportunityregulations, policies, and practices.

• An employer refuses to hire a qualified candidate because of their race. This is a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which the EEOC enforces.
• An employer pays female employees less than male employees for the same work. This is a violation of the Equal Pay Act of 1963, which the EEOC enforces.
• An employer fires an employee because of their age. This is a violation of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, which the EEOC enforces.

These examples illustrate how the EEOC enforces federal anti-discrimination statutes to protect employees from discrimination based on their race, gender, age, and other protected characteristics. The EEOC investigates charges of discrimination and may bring civil suits against employers who violate these laws. Employees who believe they have been discriminated against must first file a charge of discrimination with the EEOC before they can sue their employer in court.