Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

The EEOC was established by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and began operating July 2, 1965, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Equal Pay Act of 1963, Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, and section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against in employment can file administrative charges, which the EEOC investigates and then attempts to reach a voluntary resolution between the charging party and the respondent if it finds that discrimination has occurred. If unable to do so, the EEOC may sue in federal court. The commission also issues regulatory and other forms of guidance interpreting the laws it enforces.