What is EEOC?
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.
The EEOC has the authority to investigate charges of discrimination against employers who are covered by the law. The EEOC’s role in an investigation is to fairly and accurately assess the allegations in the charge and then make a finding. If it finds that discrimination has occurred, it will try to settle the charge. If it is not successful, the EEOC has the authority to file a lawsuit to protect the rights of individuals and the interests of the public. The EEOC does not, however, file lawsuits in all cases where it finds discrimination.
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.
The State of Ohio has a similar organization known as the Ohio Civil Rights Commission. The Commission enforces the discrimination laws on a state-wide basis.
The Law Firm of David A. Young, LLC represents executives and employees with claims pending before the EEOC and Ohio Civil Rights Commission. Attorney David Young has been certified by the Ohio State Bar Association as a Specialist in the area of Labor and Employment Law. Attorney Young has also been recognized as a Super Lawyer in the State of Ohio for the years 2009 through 2013.
If you feel you have a claim before the EEOC or Ohio Civil Rights Commission, The Law Firm of David A. Young, LLC provides a free, no-obligation consultation.
