Which federal agency enforces laws against employment discrimination and oversees equal opportunity in the workplace?

• A. EEOC
• B. NLRB
• C. OSHA
• D. FTC

Answer: (A)

The agency responsible for enforcing laws against employment discrimination and overseeing equal opportunity in the workplace is the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Created by the Civil Rights Act, EEOC handles complaints of discrimination in hiring, firing, pay, promotions, and other terms and conditions of work based on protected characteristics such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age (40 and older), disability, and genetic information. It investigates charges, seeks settlements, and can pursue legal action to remedy discrimination. EEOC also administers key statutes like Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act.

Other agencies focus on different workplace issues: the National Labor Relations Board deals with union-related labor practices and collective bargaining; the Occupational Safety and Health Administration enforces workplace safety standards; the Federal Trade Commission handles consumer protection and competition. So EEOC is the one dedicated to enforcing employment discrimination laws and promoting equal opportunity.