Diversity & Inclusion

Retaliation, discrimination, and harassment persist; disability bias charges increase

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently released a detailed breakdown of the 89,385 workplace discrimination charges it received in fiscal year (FY) 2015, which started on October 1, 2014, and ended on September 30, 2015. Retaliation charges increased by nearly 5% and continue to be the leading complaint raised by workers across the country. Disability discrimination charges increased by 6% from FY 2014 and were the third most commonly filed charge.  EEOC-jpg

The EEOC resolved 92,641 charges in FY 2015 through voluntary resolution and litigation. The year-end data show that 39,757 retaliation charges were filed, representing 44% of all private-sector charges. The agency is currently seeking public input on its proposed enforcement guidance on retaliation and related issues.

The numbers show the number of charges broken down by type:

The numbers add up to more than 100% because some charges allege multiple violations (e.g., retaliation and race discrimination).

There were nearly 28,000 harassment charges (31% of all charges). Employees alleged harassment based on race, age, disability, religion, national origin, and sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity). The EEOC filed 142 merit lawsuits in FY 2015, up from 133 the previous year. The majority of the lawsuits alleged violations of Title VII of Civil Rights of 1964, and many suits alleged violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The EEOC filed 100 lawsuits involving one individual and 42 claims involving multiple individuals.

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