In fiscal year 2012, 99,412 charges of discrimination were filed
against employers, and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
(EEOC) collected a record high of $365 million from employers. The
EEOC pursued 580 systemic investigations, resulting in the
collection of $36 million (four times more than 2011). On top of
this, government agencies have refocused their efforts on
enforcement. This article provides an overview of the basic legal
responsibilities of employers in relation to laws that prohibit
discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.
To safeguard against such claims, employers must first
understand their legal responsibilities. Employers are required to
maintain a workplace free from unlawful discrimination, harassment,
and retaliation. Everyone, including applicants, employees,
supervisors, managers, customers, and vendors, are covered.
Employees are protected from discrimination and harassment based on
their race, color, religion, national origin,
