Financial Stewardship
For the 20th consecutive year, the EEOC received an unmodified opinion from independent auditors, affirming the agency’s commitment to sound financial practices and effective internal controls.
Strategic Enforcement Initiatives
In FY 2024, the EEOC strategically allocated resources to address critical areas:
- Combatting Systemic Discrimination: The agency intensified efforts to identify and eliminate widespread discriminatory practices affecting large groups of employees.
- Preventing Workplace Harassment: Initiatives were launched to educate employers and employees on recognizing and preventing harassment, fostering safer work environments.
- Protecting Vulnerable Workers: Focused programs aimed to safeguard the rights of workers susceptible to discrimination, including those in low-wage jobs and immigrant communities.
- Addressing Technological Discrimination: The EEOC examined the impact of technologies, such as artificial intelligence, on employment decisions to prevent biased outcomes.
Implementation of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA)
FY 2024 marked the first full year of enforcing the PWFA, which mandates reasonable accommodations for workers’ limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or associated medical conditions, barring undue hardship. The EEOC’s efforts included:
- Issuing Final Regulations: Comprehensive guidelines were established to assist employers in complying with the PWFA.
- Educational Outreach: The agency developed resources and conducted outreach to inform stakeholders about the new law.
- Enforcement Actions: Preliminary data indicates the receipt of thousands of discrimination charges under the PWFA, leading to five federal lawsuits to uphold the statute.
Increased Public Engagement
The EEOC experienced a surge in public inquiries, handling over 640,000 contacts through various communication channels. This reflects a growing public reliance on the agency’s services to address workplace discrimination concerns.
Leadership Perspective
Chair Charlotte A. Burrows emphasized the EEOC’s enduring mission, stating, “The EEOC was created by the landmark 1964 Civil Rights Act in response to the strong national commitment to civil rights. Today, 60 years later, promoting equal employment opportunity and enforcing the nation’s federal workplace anti-discrimination laws remain as important as ever.”
Looking Forward
The EEOC remains dedicated to advancing equal employment opportunities and fostering inclusive workplaces. The FY 2024 AFR underscores the agency’s proactive approach in addressing emerging challenges and its unwavering commitment to financial integrity.
For a comprehensive overview, the full Fiscal Year 2024 Agency Financial Report is available on the EEOC’s official website.
