Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

Basing employment decisions on factors other than worker qualifications is generally illegal in the United States. The costs of litigation, penalties, and harm to the company’s reputation can be substantial when violations occur.

Equal employment opportunity (EEO) is employment that is not affected by illegal discrimination. It is a broad-reaching concept that essentially requires employers to make status-blind employment decisions. Status-blind decisions are made without regard to individuals’ personal characteristics (e.g., age, sex, race).