Legal Definitions - Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is a government agency that makes sure employers follow laws that prevent discrimination and harassment in the workplace. These laws cover things like hiring, firing, pay, training, promotions, and harassment. The EEOC also requires employers to report information about their employees, like their race and gender.

If an employee thinks they have been discriminated against, they can file a complaint with the EEOC. The EEOC will investigate the complaint and try to settle with the employer. If they can't settle, the EEOC may file a lawsuit on behalf of the employee.

For example, if a woman thinks she was not hired for a job because of her gender, she can file a complaint with the EEOC. The EEOC will investigate and try to settle with the employer. If they can't settle, the EEOC may file a lawsuit on behalf of the woman.

The EEOC can also expand protections for groups that were not previously covered. For example, in 2012, the EEOC decided that transgender people are protected under the law. This means that employers cannot discriminate against someone because they are transgender.