The EEOC enforces federal anti-discrimination laws in US employment — Title VII, ADA, ADEA, and more. Before suing an employer in federal court, most employees must first file a charge with the EEOC within 180–300 days.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is a federal agency created by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It enforces federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination based on: race, colour, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin (Title VII); age 40+ (Age Discrimination in Employment Act — ADEA); disability (Americans with Disabilities Act — ADA); genetic information (GINA); and equal pay (Equal Pay Act). Before filing a federal court lawsuit for most employment discrimination claims, an employee must first file a 'Charge of Discrimination' with the EEOC. Deadlines: 180 days from the discriminatory act (states without a state agency), or 300 days (states with a state fair employment practices agency — most states). The EEOC investigates the charge and attempts mediation. If it cannot resolve the charge, it issues a 'Right to Sue' letter, allowing the employee to file in federal court within 90 days. Filing with the EEOC is free. You can file online (publicportal.eeoc.gov), by mail, or at any EEOC field office.
A female employee is passed over for promotion in favour of less-qualified male colleagues. She files an EEOC charge within 300 days. The EEOC investigates and attempts mediation. When mediation fails, it issues a Right to Sue letter and she files a Title VII lawsuit in federal court.
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