Overview Subtopics: Equal Opportunity in Employment for Federal Contractors and Employees Equal Opportunity in Employment for Beneficiaries and Employees of Federal Financial Assistance Recipients Return to Hiring Menu

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OVERVIEW

Equal employment opportunity (EEO) laws prohibit specific types of employment discrimination. These laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, or status as an individual with a disability or protected veteran.

Two U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) agencies administer EEO laws:

• The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management's Civil Rights Center (CRC) - Oversees equal opportunity in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance from DOL, and assures equal opportunity for all applicants to and employees of DOL.
• The Employment Standards Administration's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) - Oversees EEO laws and regulations that apply to employers holding federal contracts and subcontracts.

In addition, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), an independent federal agency, promotes EEO for employees of most private employers, state and local governments, educational institutions, employment agencies, and labor organizations.