EEOC TO HOLD EXCLUSIVE PRESS CONFERENCE FOR HIGH SCHOOL NEWSPAPERS ON YOUTH@WORK INITIATIVE

WHO:      The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the federal government civil rights agency that enforces the nation's employment anti-discrimination laws. The EEOC, which turns 40 next summer, was created with the enactment of Title VII of the landmark Civil Rights Act on July 2, 1964. The laws enforced by EEOC prohibit workplace discrimination based on race, color, gender (including sexual harassment and pregnancy), religion, national origin, age and disability, as well as retaliation. Further information about the agency, its history, and the laws enforced is available on EEOC's web site at www.eeoc.gov.

WHAT:     The EEOC's first-ever national press conference exclusively for high school journalists. The press conference will cover the launch of the EEOC's groundbreaking Youth@Work Initiative, an unprecedented year-long national outreach and public education campaign to raise awareness about and prevent discrimination against teenage workers. The initiative aims to empower teens to reach their fullest potential in the workplace by providing key information on their employment rights and responsibilities. Further information is available online at www.youth.eeoc.gov.

WHEN:     Tuesday, December 14, from 11:30 a.m - 12:30 pm (EST). During the press conference, high school journalists will have a rare opportunity to interview and ask questions of high-ranking government officials, including the EEOC Chair and Vice Chair, who are appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the Senate.  A teen harassment victim and her attorney will also participate in the news forum.

WHERE:    EEOC Headquarters, 1801 L Street, N.W., in downtown Washington, D.C.  The press conference will be accessible by phone via teleconference for those unable to attend in person. Due to limited space and teleconference capacity, participation is on a first-come, first-served basis. Those planning to participate should RSVP as soon as possible to Michelle Waldron at (202) 663-4046 (Voice) /202-663-4494 (TTY) or by e-mail at michelle.waldron@eeoc.gov.

WHY:      To educate teens about the increasing number of discrimination and harassment lawsuits involving young workers. Over the past few years, EEOC has observed an alarming increase of sexual harassment and other forms of discrimination against teenage employees in various industries. EEOC's Youth@Work Initiative is designed to educate young workers about their workplace rights and responsibilities.  Participants will receive a press packet in advance of the event.

NOTE:  The American Society of Newspaper Editors' (ASNE) High School Journalism Initiative is helping EEOC to get the word out about this event to scholastic newspapers. ASNE believes that participation in this news conference by teen journalists is a valuable training opportunity. A journalist from the Washington Post newspaper is expected to serve as an on-site mentor.