Employment Law Practice Exam

What is the role of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in discrimination cases?

1. To provide financial support for litigation

2. To enforce all workplace safety regulations

3. To encourage mediation between involved parties

4. To issue binding arbitration decisions

The correct answer is: To encourage mediation between involved parties

The role of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in discrimination cases includes encouraging mediation between involved parties. The EEOC plays a crucial part in investigating claims of workplace discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. One of the strategies employed by the EEOC is to facilitate mediation as a means of resolving disputes before they escalate into formal litigation. Mediation allows both the complainant and the employer to reach a mutually agreeable solution in a less adversarial setting, which can often lead to more satisfactory outcomes for both parties. This approach not only helps to reduce the backlog of cases the EEOC handles but also promotes a more collaborative environment for resolution rather than a contentious legal battle, making it a valuable tool in the agency's efforts to enforce civil rights in the workplace.