Office of Civil Rights and Liberties
Equal Employment Opportunity Laws
Our agency provides equal employment opportunity to both current and former employees as well as applicants for employment. Several Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) laws govern the conduct of Federal agencies in their hiring practices.
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII) prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
- The Equal Pay Act of 1963 (EPA) prohibits sex-based wage discrimination for men and women who perform substantially equal work in the same establishment.
- The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA) prohibits employment discrimination against individuals who are 40 years of age or older.
- Sections 501 and 505 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities who work in the federal government.
- The Civil Rights Act of 1991 provides monetary damages in cases of intentional employment discrimination.
These laws are enforced by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The EEOC provides oversight and coordination of all federal equal employment opportunity regulations, practices, and policies.
How Do I Protect My Rights Under The Equal Employment Opportunity Laws At TSA?
Any current or former TSA employee or applicant for employment who feel they have experienced unlawful discrimination, harassment or retaliation in either their employment or the hiring process may contact the Office of Civil Rights and Liberties to initiate the EEO complaint process in an attempt to resolve their complaints.
Current or former TSA employees or applicants may raise any of the legal bases listed below when initiating the EEO complaint process.
- Race
- Color
- National origin
- Sex
- Age (40 and over)
- Religion
- Disability
- Sexual orientation
- Parental status
- Genetic information
- Retaliation
An Equal Employment Opportunity Specialist will assist any person who wishes to file a complaint to understand the EEO process and to explain how to file a complaint to initiate the process.
How Long Do I Have to Contact the Office of Civil Rights and Liberties to File an EEO Complaint?
EEO laws require that persons wishing to file an EEO complaint contact the Office of Civil Rights and Liberties within 45 days of the alleged discriminatory act or incident. Persons may lose their right to file a complaint if they do not contact the Office of Civil Rights and Liberties within 45 days of the alleged discriminatory act.