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EQUAL EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES ARE BEGINNING TO SHAPE UP

NCJ Number
58843
Journal
National Journal Volume: 10 Dated: (JANUARY 7, 1978) Pages: 19-23
Author(s)
J W SINGER
Date Published
1978
Length
5 pages
Annotation
AN OVERVIEW OF CHANGES AT THE EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION (EEOC) AND THE OFFICE OF FEDERAL CONTRACT COMPLIANCE (OFCC) IN THE FIRST YEAR OF THE CARTER ADMINISTRATION IS PRESENTED.
Abstract
THE EEOC IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PROCESSING JOB DISCRIMINATION CHARGES, WHILE THE OFCC SUPERVISES 11 OTHER GOVERNMENT UNITS TO SEE THAT GOVERNMENT CONTRACTORS DO NOT ENGAGE IN JOB DISCRIMINATION. UNDER A CARTER REOGRANIZATION PLAN, THE EEOC WOULD GRADUALLY BECOME THE FEDERAL SUPERAGENCY FOR EQUAL EMPLOYMENT, SUBSUMING THE OFCC AND TAKING OVER THE EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY RESPONSIBILITIES OF OTHER AGENCIES THAT ENFORCE APPROXIMATELY 40 LAWS, EXECUTIVE ORDERS, AND REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY. IN ADDITION TO THE REORGANIZATION, WHICH WAS TO HAVE BEEN PROPOSED BEFORE CONGRESS IN JANUARY 1978, CHANGES HAVE TAKEN PLACE WITHIN THE EEOC AND THE OFCC. THE MOST DRAMATIC CHANGES HAVE BEEN AT THE EEOC, WHERE THE CARTER-APPOINTED CHAIRPERSON INSTITUTED THE MOST FUNDAMENTAL INTERNAL REORGANIZATION IN THE AGENCY'S HISTORY 6 MONTHS AFTER SHE TOOK OFFICE. THE CHANGES WERE DESIGNED TO CLEAR THE AGENCY'S LARGE BACKLOG OF JOB DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINTS AND TO MAKE ITS COMPLAINT-HANDLING MECHANISM MORE EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE. THE NEW CHAIRPERSON ALSO HAS MADE PROGRESS TOWARD ESTABLISHING UNIFORM FEDERAL ANTIDISCRIMINATION GUIDELINES--STANDARDS FOR SELECTION PROCEDURES IN HIRING, PROMOTION, AND ALL OTHER EMPLOYMENT DECISIONS. ALSO UNDER NEW LEADERSHIP, THE OFCC HAS SHOWN A COMMITMENT TO TOUGHER ENFORCEMENT, AS WELL AS A NEW WILLINGNESS TO CONSULT WITH VICTIMS OF JOB DISCRIMINATION.