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U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

Youth at Work
4 young adults at work

Why do you need to know about the EEOC?

A group of teenagers looking at a laptop

EEOC can help you answer many job-related questions.

EEOC can answer questions about job discrimination even if you do not want to file a formal complaint. For example, we can explain whether your manager is allowed to do certain things under the law. We also can talk to you about whether certain types of behavior are appropriate in the workplace.


EEOC can help you solve workplace problems.

Sometimes, your employer may not adequately address an issue that you raise with them. In other cases, you may be too scared to bring certain issues to your employer's attention. If you come to us, we can talk to your employer and try to solve the problem if it involves one of the laws we are responsible for enforcing. If we feel that the conduct you're complaining about is not illegal under our laws, we can put you in touch with other government agencies or organizations that may be able to help you.


EEOC can help you file a job discrimination lawsuit.

If we believe your employer is violating the law, we can sue in court to fix the problem. Even if we decide not to sue, we can give you the right to take your claim to court. You cannot file a job discrimination lawsuit against your employer without first coming to us.


EEOC can help you make the workplace better for everyone.

If you report illegal job discrimination to us, we will work to make sure that your employer does not do the same thing to you or someone else in the future. We can require employers to develop fairer job policies, train managers and other employees about discrimination, and obtain compensation for anyone who was treated unfairly. This makes the workplace a better place for you, your sisters and brothers, your friends, and your community.