Which statement best describes the scope of the EEOC’s enforcement?

• A. The EEOC enforces civil rights laws in employment, not environmental laws
• B. The EEOC enforces environmental regulations in the workplace
• C. The EEOC enforces all federal laws
• D. The EEOC enforces only the Equal Pay Act

Answer: (A)

The EEOC handles laws that address discrimination in the workplace. It enforces federal civil rights statutes that prohibit unfair treatment in hiring, firing, pay, promotions, and other terms and conditions of employment—things like race, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, and genetic information. It does not enforce environmental regulations; those fall under other agencies such as the EPA. It also isn’t responsible for all federal laws, and it isn’t limited to only the Equal Pay Act, since it enforces several employment discrimination statutes. Therefore, stating that the EEOC enforces civil rights laws in employment, not environmental laws, best describes its scope.