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The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) released its annual report of its performance for fiscal year 2023, which ran from October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023. The EEOC was created in the 1960s with a mission of equal employment opportunities to all. As the Civil Rights Act of 1964 celebrates its 60th anniversary, check out the highlights from 2023 to learn more about the state of discrimination in the workplace.
Highlights of FY2023
The agency’s strategic plan guides its daily work. A key focus is to “combat and prevent employment discrimination through the strategic application of the EEOC’s law enforcement authorities.” Another focus is to “prevent employment discrimination and advance equal employment opportunities through education and outreach.”
The EEOC received over 81,000 new discrimination charges in FY23, an increase of 10.3% over FY22. It received over 233,000 inquiries in its field offices, another 522,000 calls from the public, and 86,000 emails. This represents a significant increase from FY22, proving that its education and outreach programs are working.
Lawsuits and damages increase
The EEOC filed 143 new lawsuits in FY23, which is an increase of 50% over FY22. Twenty-five of those suits involve multiple victims or discriminatory policies, noted as “systemic” problems. In FY23, the EEOC secured more than $655 million for over 21,000 victims of employment discrimination in the private sector, state and local governments, and federal employees, through mediation and settlements. It also resolved 98 lawsuits, getting favorable results in 91% of all federal district court resolutions.
Trends in workplace discrimination
Although more people are aware of discrimination, the increased demand on the EEOC’s services indicates that workplace discrimination is still a serious issue. The increase in complaints may be reflective of the EEOC’s outreach to make employees aware of their rights. Employers should take note that more workers are making complaints. The EEOC only files lawsuits in a small percentage of its cases, the agency tries to find solutions before filing litigation against employers.
Discrimination in the workplace may not only be illegal at the federal level, but some states have even more regulations against discrimination. It’s fair to say that your business needs to be aware of the laws to avoid getting caught up in a lawsuit.
