What is the primary role of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)?

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) plays a vital role in enforcing federal laws that prohibit employment discrimination in the workplace. Its primary responsibility lies in ensuring that individuals are not discriminated against based on factors such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. The EEOC investigates complaints of discrimination, facilitates mediation between parties, and can initiate lawsuits against employers when necessary. This function is critical for promoting fair treatment and equality in the employment process, safeguarding the rights of workers, and upholding civil rights in the workforce.

The other choices reflect significant aspects of employment and education but do not align with the primary mission of the EEOC. Regulating workplace safety standards pertains to agencies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), while career counseling services are typically provided by educational institutions or private career services. Monitoring hiring procedures in schools relates more to educational policies and equal access in educational settings rather than directly addressing employment discrimination, which is the core function of the EEOC.