1. The Importance of the EEOC
by Ruth Mayhew
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson,
created the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission as an enforcement authority for
civil rights laws for private sector and public sector employers and employees. Since its
inception in 1965, the EEOC has battled lawmakers, employers, civil rights and special interest
groups to maintain freedom from employment discrimination and harassment. The agency plays
a significant role in the employment law landscape.
Legislation
Although the EEOC isn't directly involved in drafting legislation for Congressional consideration
and approval, the agency is depended on to render expert advice on pending legislation that can
potentially affect employers and employees. The EEOC has enforcement and investigative
authority and, as such, does not participate in lobbying or similar activities to encourage the
passage of legislation focusing on workplace laws.
Advocacy
The EEOC is an advocate for employees and employers. Because the agency receives and
investigates employee complaints, it may be viewed by some as an employee advocate.
However, through the agency's technical assistance guidance, it works with employers to ensure
that their workplace policies, training and employment practices comply with federal laws for
equal and fair treatment in the workplace. EEOC serves an important role in providing expertise
in areas where some employers may lack the resources necessary to determine whether their
employment practices are consistent with government expectations.
Redress
Employees who seek redress for employers' actions that they believe violate the federal
nondiscrimination and anti-harassment rules can contact the EEOC for assistance. The EEOC
doesn't represent individuals in lawsuits filed against employers. Instead, the EEOC has a
mechanism through which job applicants and current and former employees can lodge official
complaints against employers. The process begins with the EEOC official review of the
individual's complaint to determine if he has a legitimate complaint and then works with the
employer to conduct an investigation. During the investigative process, EEOC may recommend
corrective action, or it can file a lawsuit against the employer if the commission believes the
alleged acts are egregious enough to warrant litigation. The importance of the EEOC is that it
upholds public laws and protects the rights of employees and employers throughout the
investigation and resolution of workplace issues.
Interpretation
In addition to its advocacy role, the EEOC provides official interpretation of employment laws
and the agency's guidelines related to fair employment. EEOC doesn't limit its interpretation to
benefit just employees and employers, however. The agency provides services to the general
2. public as well. In addition, the EEOC provides mediation services for employees and employers
to resolve their differences so the agency isn't just concerned with filing lawsuits against
employers and distributing the money among complainants. The EEOC enforces the laws and
helps prevent future violations through educating the public along with private sector and public
sector employees.
What Are the Benefits of Equal Opportunity
Policies?
by Ruth Mayhew
An equal opportunity policy -- referred to by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission as an equal employment opportunity policy -- prohibits workplace discrimination in
employment actions. EEO policies are based on federal employment laws such as Title VII of the
Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Age Discrimination in
Employment Act and Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act. Employers that wholly
embrace EEO policies reap numerous tangible and intangible benefits.
