Workplace Discrimination and Harassment: Important Resources

The EEOC

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces federal laws that make it illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or an employee because of the person's race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information.

It is also illegal to discriminate against or retaliate against anyone for complaining about discrimination, filing a charge of discrimination, or participating in an employment discrimination investigation or lawsuit.

Most employers with at least 15 employees are covered by EEOC laws (20 employees in age discrimination cases). Most labor unions and employment agencies are also covered.

The laws apply to all types of work situations, including hiring, firing, promotions, harassment, training, wages, and benefits.

For more information go online to www.eeoc.gov or call 1-800-669-4000.

HR Organizations

Below are some prominent membership organizations offering professional development, industry information, and support for Human Resources professionals nationwide (check their websites for availability of local chapters):

• SHRM (Society for Human Resources Management)
  Contact: www.shrm.org or call 800-283-SHRM (7476)
• HR Certification Institute
  Contact: www.hrci.org or call 866-898-4724
• National Human Resources Association
  Contact: www.humanresources.org or call 866-523-4417
• Association for Talent Development (ATD)
  Contact: www.td.org or call 800-628-2783
• Human Capital Institute (HCI)
  Contact: www.hci.org or call 866-538-1909