Which agency enforces federal anti-discrimination laws in employment?

• A. Department of Justice
• B. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
• C. Occupational Safety and Health Administration
• D. Federal Trade Commission

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is understanding which federal agency handles workplace discrimination. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is the body charged with enforcing most federal anti-discrimination laws in employment. It investigates complaints about bias in hiring, firing, promotions, pay, and other terms and conditions of work based on protected characteristics such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. It can attempt to settle issues through conciliation and, if needed, sue employers to enforce these laws. Other agencies have different focuses: the Department of Justice handles various civil rights matters in certain cases, but not primarily as the frontline enforcer of employment discrimination; the Occupational Safety and Health Administration deals with workplace safety and health standards; the Federal Trade Commission focuses on consumer protection and unfair business practices.