EEOC was established in 1964 to enforce the employment provisions of civil rights legislation, and has jurisdiction over the Federal government's role as an employer, public and private employers, public and private employment agencies, and labor organizations. EEOC provides leadership to Federal departments and agencies with equal employment opportunity programs and provides assistance to departments and agencies in the implementation and completion of equal employment coordination responsibilities. Through our headquarters and field offices, we receive, review, and process charges of employment discrimination and approve the filing of civil rights discrimination suits under legislation, including
EEOC is a bipartisan Commission comprised of five presidentially appointed members, including the Chair, Vice Chair, and three Commissioners. The Chair is responsible for the administration and implementation of policy for the Commission and for the financial management and organizational development of the Commission. The Vice Chair and the Commissioners equally participate in the development and approval of the policies of the Commission, issue charges of discrimination where appropriate, and authorize the filing of suits. Additionally, the President appoints a General Counsel to support the Commission and provide direction, coordination, and supervision to EEOC's litigation program. A brief description of major program areas is provided on the following pages.
Through its Office of Federal Operations, EEOC provides leadership and guidance to Federal agencies on all aspects of the Federal government's equal employment opportunity program. This office assures Federal agency and department compliance with EEOC regulations, provides technical assistance to Federal agencies concerning EEO complaint adjudication, monitors and evaluates Federal agencies' affirmative employment programs, develops and distributes Federal sector educational materials and conducts training for stakeholders, provides guidance and assistance to our administrative judges who conduct hearings on EEO complaints, and adjudicates appeals from administrative decisions made by Federal agencies on EEO complaints.
Through our headquarters Office of Field Programs, the Office of General Counsel and 51 field offices, EEOC effectively enforces the statutory, regulatory, policy, and program responsibilities of the Commission through a variety of resolution methods tailored to each charge. The field staff is responsible for fulfilling a wide range of objectives that focus on the quality, timeliness, and appropriateness of individual, class, and systemic charges, and for securing relief for victims of discrimination in accordance with Commission policies. The field staff also counsel individuals about their rights under the laws enforced by EEOC and conduct outreach and technical assistance programs.
Additionally, through the Office of Field Program's Office of State and Local Programs, EEOC maintains worksharing agreements and a contract services program with more than 90 state and local Fair Employment Practices Agencies (FEPAs) for the purpose of coordinating the investigation of charges dual-filed under state and local law, and Federal law, as appropriate. Through our partnership with more than 60 Tribal Employment Rights Offices (TEROs), we seek to promote equal employment opportunity on or near Indian reservations.
Through our Office of Legal Counsel, we develop policy guidance, provide technical assistance to employers and employees, and coordinate with other agencies and stakeholders regarding the statutes and regulation we enforce. The Office of Legal Counsel also includes an external litigation and advice division and a Freedom of Information Act unit.
EEOC receives a congressional appropriation to fund the necessary expenses of enforcing civil rights legislation, as well as performing the prevention, outreach, and coordination of activities within the private and public sectors. Additionally, EEOC maintains a Revolving Fund for technical assistance programs. These programs provide fee-based education and training relating to the laws administered by the Commission.
This page was last modified on November 18, 2004
