Understanding the EEOC: How Federal Laws Protect You

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Navigating workplace rights can be challenging, especially when facing discrimination or harassment. This blog post outlines the essential role of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in protecting your rights and provides guidance on how to seek help from an attorney near you if you encounter violations.

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This blog post explores the role of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in protecting workers from workplace discrimination and harassment. Learn about your rights under federal laws, how to file a complaint, and why consulting an employment lawyer near you can help you navigate this process effectively.

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Understanding the EEOC: How Federal Laws Protect You

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Workplace Discrimination & Harassment – Know Your Rights

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Mar 29, 2025 04:27 PM

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Understanding the EEOC: How Federal Laws Protect You

If you've ever faced discrimination, harassment, or retaliation at work, you're not alone—and you're not powerless. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) exists to protect your rights and enforce federal laws that prohibit workplace discrimination.

Still, many workers don't fully understand what the EEOC does, which laws it enforces, or how to file a complaint if your rights are violated. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the EEOC and how it can help protect you on the job.

In this post, you’ll learn:

What the EEOC is and how it works

Which types of discrimination are illegal under federal law

How EEOC investigations work

What remedies are available if your employer broke the law

When to contact an employment lawyer near you

Let’s dive in.

💡 For every post in this series, scroll down to “Related Posts.”

What Is the EEOC?

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is the federal agency responsible for enforcing workplace discrimination laws. It was created under the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and operates independently of any political party or administration.

The EEOC is tasked with:

Investigating discrimination complaints

Mediating disputes between workers and employers

Filing lawsuits against employers who violate federal laws

Educating the public about workplace rights

Most importantly, the EEOC is there to make sure you’re treated fairly on the job—regardless of your background or identity.

What Types of Discrimination Does the EEOC Prohibit?

Federal law prohibits employers from discriminating against employees based on protected characteristics. The EEOC enforces laws that protect you from unfair treatment related to:

Race

Color

National origin

Religion

Sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and pregnancy)

Disability

Age (40 and over)

Genetic information

It also protects workers from retaliation if they speak up about discrimination, participate in an investigation, or assert their legal rights.

For a deeper dive into your protections under federal law, see "Tipped Employees & Minimum Wage Laws: Know Your Rights" and "Salaried vs. Hourly Employees: What’s the Legal Difference?"

Which Federal Laws Does the EEOC Enforce?

The EEOC enforces several major civil rights laws, including:

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

Prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Protects qualified individuals with disabilities from discrimination and ensures reasonable accommodations.

The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)

Prohibits age discrimination against workers aged 40 and older.

The Equal Pay Act (EPA)

Requires men and women to be paid equally for doing substantially equal work.

The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA)

Prohibits employers from using genetic information in employment decisions.

The Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA)

Prevents discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.

Who Is Protected by EEOC Laws?

EEOC laws apply to most workers in the United States, including:

Job applicants

Current employees

Former employees

Temporary or seasonal workers

These protections generally apply to private employers with 15 or more employees, as well as federal, state, and local government employers.

What Are Common EEOC Violations in the Workplace?

Some of the most common violations that lead to EEOC complaints include:

Wrongful termination due to race, gender, or disability

Retaliation for reporting discrimination

Sexual harassment

Failure to accommodate a disability

Unequal pay for similar work

Hostile work environment due to protected characteristics

You can learn more about workplace violations in "Wage Theft: 10 Signs Your Employer Is Stealing from You" and "Can Your Employer Deduct Money from Your Paycheck?"

How to File an EEOC Complaint

If you believe your employer has violated your rights, you can file a charge of discrimination with the EEOC.

Step 1: Act Quickly

You typically have 180 days from the date of the violation to file a complaint (300 days in some states with local protections).

Step 2: File Online, By Phone, or In Person

You can start your complaint through the EEOC Public Portal or by contacting your nearest EEOC field office.

Step 3: Provide Details

You’ll need to explain what happened, when it happened, and why you believe it was discriminatory.

Step 4: Participate in the EEOC Process

The EEOC may:

Dismiss your charge if it lacks merit

Offer mediation between you and your employer

Launch a formal investigation

Issue a “right to sue” letter, allowing you to file a lawsuit in court

For step-by-step help, see "How to File a Wage Claim with the Department of Labor" and "How to Recover Unpaid Wages from Your Employer".

What Happens After You File an EEOC Complaint?

Depending on the case, outcomes may include:

A settlement or mediation agreement

A formal EEOC finding of discrimination

A lawsuit filed by the EEOC on your behalf

A “right to sue” letter giving you the green light to go to court

If you receive a right to sue letter, you have only 90 days to file a lawsuit, so don’t delay in speaking to a lawyer.

What Remedies Are Available if the EEOC Finds Discrimination?

You may be entitled to several forms of compensation, including:

Back pay for lost wages

Reinstatement to your former job

Compensatory damages for emotional distress

Punitive damages if the employer’s conduct was egregious

Attorney’s fees and court costs

Do You Need an Employment Lawyer for an EEOC Case?

While you can file an EEOC complaint on your own, working with a discrimination lawyer near you can make a huge difference. A lawyer can:

Help you navigate the legal process

File a lawsuit on your behalf

Maximize your financial recovery

Protect you from retaliation

Whether you're dealing with a hostile work environment, unfair termination, or retaliation, a qualified attorney can ensure you don’t get pushed around.

Final Thoughts: Know Your Rights, Use Your Voice

Understanding how the EEOC protects you is the first step to ensuring a safe and equitable workplace. If you think you’ve been mistreated or discriminated against, don’t stay silent—you have powerful federal protections on your side.

At ReferU.AI, we connect workers with top-rated employment lawyers near you. Our AI-powered system matches you with attorneys based on your specific workplace situation—so you can get expert legal help fast.

Think your rights were violated? Get legal advice today.

Understanding the EEOC: How Federal Laws Protect You