If you don’t know much about the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), you’re not alone. Most people don’t pay close attention to the workings of federal agencies, and that’s understandable. People are busy. Yet, knowing about what this particular civil rights agency does – and what it can potentially do for you – may be important if you ever encounter discrimination in the workplace.
The EEOC is responsible for investigating allegations of employment-related discrimination, mediating disputes and working to better ensure that workers’ rights are protected. Understanding the EEOC’s role can be genuinely helpful when seeking justice and trying to hold employers accountable for discrimination-related wrongdoing.
Alerting the EEOC to misconduct
If an employee believes they have been discriminated against, their first step is usually to file a charge of discrimination with the EEOC. This formal complaint triggers an investigation into the allegations. The EEOC will then gather information, interview witnesses and review evidence to determine whether there is reasonable cause to believe that discrimination has occurred. It’s important to note that the EEOC’s investigation is confidential, and the agency will not disclose the specifics of the charge to the public.
If the EEOC finds evidence of discrimination and is unable to reach a settlement, the agency may pursue justice on behalf of a wronged employee. However, due to limited resources, the EEOC only litigates a small number of cases each year. If the EEOC decides not to move forward independently, it will issue a “right to sue” letter to the employee, who can then pursue legal action with the assistance of a trusted legal team.
Additionally, beyond enforcement, the EEOC plays an important role in educating both workers and employers alike about their rights and responsibilities under anti-discrimination laws. The agency provides training, technical assistance and outreach programs to help prevent discrimination before it occurs.
