The U . S . Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ( EEOC ) enforces Federal laws that protect you from discrimination in employment . If you believe you ’ ve been discriminated against at work or in applying for a job , the EEOC may be able to help .

Who is Protected ?

• Employees ( current and former ), including managers and temporary employees

• Job applicants

• Union members and applicants for membership in a union

What Organizations are Covered ?

• Most private employers

• State and local governments ( as employers )

• Educational institutions ( as employers )

• Unions

• Staffing agencies

What Types of Employment Discrimination are Illegal ?

Under the EEOC ’ s laws , an employer may not discriminate against you , regardless of your immigration status , on the bases of :

• Race

• Color

• Religion

• National origin

• Sex ( including pregnancy , childbirth , and related medical conditions , sexual orientation , or gender identity )

• Age ( 40 and older )

• Disability

• Genetic information ( including employer requests for , or purchase , use , or disclosure of genetic tests , genetic services , or family medical history )

• Retaliation for filing a charge , reasonably opposing discrimination , or participating in a discrimination lawsuit , investigation , or proceeding

• Interference , coercion , or threats related to exercising rights regarding disability discrimination or pregnancy accommodation

What Employment Practices can be Challenged as Discriminatory ?

All aspects of employment , including :

• Discharge , firing , or lay-off

• Harassment ( including unwelcome verbal or physical conduct )

• Hiring or promotion

• Assignment

• Pay ( unequal wages or compensation )

• Failure to provide reasonable accommodation for a disability ; pregnancy , childbirth , or related medical condition ; or a sincerely-held religious belief , observance or practice

• Benefits

• Job training

• Classification

• Referral

• Obtaining or disclosing genetic information of employees

• Requesting or disclosing medical information of employees

• Conduct that might reasonably discourage someone from opposing discrimination , filing a charge , or participating in an investigation or proceeding

• Conduct that coerces , intimidates , threatens , or interferes with someone exercising their rights , or someone assisting or encouraging someone else to exercise rights , regarding disability discrimination ( including accommodation ) or pregnancy accommodation

What can You Do if You Believe Discrimination has Occurred ?

Contact the EEOC promptly if you suspect discrimination . Do not delay , because there are strict time limits for filing a charge of discrimination ( 180 or 300 days , depending on where you live / work ). You can reach the EEOC in any of the following ways :

Submit an inquiry through the EEOC ’ s public portal : https :// publicportal . eeoc . gov / Portal / Login . aspx

Visit an EEOC field office ( information at www . eeoc . gov / field-office )

Call 1 – 800 – 669 – 4000 ( toll free ) 1 – 800 – 669 – 6820 ( TTY ) 1 – 844 – 234 – 5122 ( ASL video phone )

E-Mail info @ eeoc . gov

Additional information about the EEOC , including information about filing a charge of discrimination , is available at www . eeoc . gov .