EEO Policy Statement

MEMORANDUM

The mission of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC or the Commission) is to prevent and remedy workplace discrimination and promote equal employment opportunities for all. As part of this mission, the EEOC is committed to protecting its own employees from unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.

EEOC employees and job applicants are protected from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit-based factors. These protections apply to all employment decisions, including recruitment, hiring, performance evaluations, promotions, training, and career development. Additionally, the EEOC provides to employees and applicants reasonable accommodations for disabilities; for pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

EEOC employees and applicants also are protected from retaliation. Acts of retaliation against anyone engaging in protected activity—such as reporting or opposing discrimination or harassment, requesting a reasonable accommodation, participating in the EEO process, whistleblowing, or exercising any appeal or grievance rights—are strictly prohibited. The EEOC’s RESOLVE Program also includes a Non-Retaliation Statement to protect participants, and the agency takes prompt action against discrimination, retaliation, or harassment, including sexual harassment, by employees, agents, or non-employees.

It is our shared responsibility to maintain a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. This includes preventing harassment based on any protected category.  Managers and supervisors play a critical role in preventing and addressing harassment, while all employees are reminded of their duty to not engage in harassing conduct and to report any such conduct promptly if it occurs.

EEOC employees or applicants who experience discrimination, harassment, or retaliation are encouraged to seek assistance through the appropriate resources. They may contact the Office for Civil Rights at (202) 921-2945 or CONTACT_OCR@eeoc.gov, the Office of Special Counsel at (202) 804-7000, or the Merit Systems Protection Board at (202) 653-7200. Additionally, they can reach out to the Harassment Prevention Program at 1 (877) 671-7195 or STOP.HARASSMENT@eeoc.gov, the Office of Inspector General at 1 (800) 849-4230, or the RESOLVE Program at (202) 921-3140 or RESOLVE.PROGRAM@eeoc.gov for further support.

It is essential that we collectively ensure the EEOC remains a workplace free from unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Each of us has a role in upholding and enforcing the Commission’s EEO Policy, reaffirming our commitment to this standard.