Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

Legal Mandate

Established by Title VII of the Civil Rights act of 1964, EEOC began operating on July 2, 1965. The EEOC enforces the following federal statutes:

• Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, prohibiting employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin;

• Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) of 1967, as amended, prohibiting employment against individuals 40 years of age and older;

• Equal Pay Act (EPA) of 1963 prohibiting discrimination on the basis of gender in compensation for substantially similar work under similar conditions;

• Title I and Title V of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, prohibiting employment discrimination on the basis of disability in the private sector and state and local governments;

• Section 501 and 505 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, prohibiting employment discrimination against federal employees with disabilities; and,

• Civil Rights Act of 1991 providing monetary damages in cases of intentional discrimination and clarifying provisions regarding disparate impact actions.

Recognizing Bases of Discrimination/Harassment

Race Religion Color Sex    (Sexual Harassment)

National Origin Age Disability Gender

Any individual who believes he or she has been discriminated against in employment may file an administrative charge with the EEOC. After investigating the charge, the EEOC determines if there is "reasonable cause" to believe discrimination has occurred. If "reasonable cause" is found, the EEOC attempts to conciliate the charge by reaching a voluntary resolution between the charging party and the respondent. If conciliation is not successful, the Commission may bring suit in federal court. As part of the administrative process, the EEOC may also issue a Right-to-Sue-Notice to the charging party, allowing the charging party to file an individual action in court without the Agency's involvement.

Web Site: http://www.eeoc.gov

To be automatically connected with the nearest EEOC field office, call:

Phone: 1-800-669-4000

TTY: 1-800-669-6820.