Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Laws
29 Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.) Part 1614
The regulations governing the processing of Federal sector discrimination complaints are contained in Title 29 C.F.R., Part 1614. These regulations also define the role of the counselors, managers, supervisors, and witnesses.
Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) of 1967, as amended
The ADEA prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of age (40 years or older). Unlike Title VII and the Rehabilitation Act, the ADEA allows persons claiming age discrimination to go directly to court without going through an agency's administrative complaint procedures. If, however, a complainant chooses to file an administrative complaint, (s)he must exhaust administrative remedies before proceeding to court. As with Title VII complaints, a complainant exhausts administrative remedies 180 days after filing a formal complaint or 180 days after filing an appeal with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) if the EEOC has not issued a decision. Read the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) of 1967, as amended and Facts About Age Discrimination.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Rehabilitation Act of 1973
These laws prohibit discrimination against qualified people with disabilities who are able to perform the essential functions of the job. The law also requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to assist individuals in performing their jobs unless the agency can demonstrate that the accommodations would impose an undue hardship on the operation of its program. Read the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Sections 501 and 505 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and other ADA regulations and technical assistance materials.
Fair Labor Standards Act of 1958, as amended (Equal Pay Act of 1963 - [EPA])
The Equal Pay Act prohibits sex-based wage discrimination. It prohibits Federal agencies from paying employees of one sex lower wages than those of the opposite sex for performing substantially equal work. Substantially equal work means that the jobs require equal skills, effort, and responsibility, and that the jobs are performed under similar working conditions. Read the Equal Pay Act of 1963.
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 - Prohibition Against National Origin Discrimination Affecting Limited English Proficient Persons
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. 2000d, et seq. and its implementing regulations provide that no person shall be subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin under any program or activity that receives federal financial assistance. Language for LEP individuals can be a barrier to accessing important benefits or services, understanding and exercising important rights, complying with applicable responsibilities, or understanding other information provided by federally funded programs and activities. Read Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended
Title VII prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It also prohibits reprisal or retaliation for participating in the discrimination complaints process or for opposing any unlawful employment practice under Title VII. Read Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
See an Overview of Federal Equal Employnment Opportunity (EEO) Laws.
