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Many people discriminated against in the workplace are often already in a vulnerable place, susceptible to bullying or intolerance, not just at work, but also for simply existing. Unfortunately, the people who need the protection of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission are those who are least aware of it.
Under the direction of Commissioner Kalpana Kotagal, the EEOC has launched the REACH Initiative, which is focused on enhancing the agency’s outreach to vulnerable workers and underserved communities. Instead of waiting for workers to approach the EEOC, the EEOC wants to let workers know their rights and to provide access to its services for people outside of the geographical areas of the main offices.
What the REACH Initiative does
The REACH initiative is the first step in the EEOC’s Strategic Plan for 2024-2028, prioritizing prevention of discrimination against vulnerable workers and people from underserved communities who do not know their rights under equal employment opportunity laws or who may be reluctant to exercise their rights under federal discrimination laws. REACH will:
- Hold meetings with stakeholders around the country to find ways to reach vulnerable and underserved communities.
- Identify best practices for reaching those communities.
- Consider how to have a larger presence in rural areas or those areas that aren’t close to an EEOC office.
- Make recommendations to the EEOC Chair to develop better outreach efforts.
Kotagal held the first meeting on Monday, Jan. 29 in Las Vegas with local leaders of non-profits and labor unions that work with low-wage workers, workers of color and other underserved communities. Kotagal, a daughter of immigrants, said:
“By ensuring that the Commission is accessible to vulnerable and underserved communities, we can advance fair and inclusive workplaces and achieve systemic change. I’m grateful for the opportunity to hear directly from local stakeholders across the country about how the agency can enhance its outreach efforts and make the promise of equal opportunity a reality for all.”
