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The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

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The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is the federal agency charged with the enforcement of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964,1 the Americans with Disabilities Act,2 and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act.3 Five commissioners appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate govern the EEOC. Each commissioner serves a five-year term, and no more than three commissioners can be from the same political party.4 The President also appoints a General Counsel of the Commission with the advice and consent of the Senate. The General Counsel serves a term of four years and is charged with conducting litigation brought by the EEOC.5 The EEOC also is charged with promulgating regulations to carry out the provisions of Title VII.6 The EEOC regulations are published in Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Additionally, the EEOC issues guidelines to assist in interpreting Title VII. The U.S. Supreme Court has noted that “ ‘EEOC Guidelines are not administrative regulations’ promulgated pursuant to formal procedures established by Congress. But ..., they do constitute the ‘[t]he administrative interpretation of the Act by the enforcing agency,’ and consequently they are ‘entitled to great deference’” by the courts.7 3:8. Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972 The Equal Employment Act of 1972 extended Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 19641 to include coverage of employees of the federal government.2 This coverage extends to, among other

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