EEOC
What does "EEOC" mean in law?
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is the federal agency responsible for enforcing Title VII, the ADA, the ADEA, the Equal Pay Act, GINA, and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. Before an individual may file a Title VII or ADA lawsuit in federal court, they must first file a charge of discrimination with the EEOC within 180 days (or 300 days if a state or local agency enforces a parallel law), a requirement known as exhaustion of administrative remedies. The EEOC investigates charges, attempts conciliation, and may file suit on behalf of aggrieved individuals or issue a right-to-sue letter permitting private litigation. As emphasized in Albemarle Paper Co. v. Moody, the EEOC's enforcement powers are designed to effectuate the make-whole purpose of Title VII, ensuring that victims of discrimination are restored to the position they would have occupied absent the unlawful conduct.
Definition
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is the federal agency responsible for enforcing Title VII, the ADA, the ADEA, the Equal Pay Act, GINA, and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. Before an individual may file a Title VII or ADA lawsuit in federal court, they must first file a charge of discrimination with the EEOC within 180 days (or 300 days if a state or local agency enforces a parallel law), a requirement known as exhaustion of administrative remedies. The EEOC investigates charges, attempts conciliation, and may file suit on behalf of aggrieved individuals or issue a right-to-sue letter permitting private litigation. As emphasized in Albemarle Paper Co. v. Moody, the EEOC's enforcement powers are designed to effectuate the make-whole purpose of Title VII, ensuring that victims of discrimination are restored to the position they would have occupied absent the unlawful conduct.
Example
After being denied a promotion she believes was racially motivated, an employee must file a charge with the EEOC and wait for either a right-to-sue letter or 180 days before she can bring her Title VII claim in federal court.