EEOC ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF 35TH ANNIVERSARY ART CONTEST

WASHINGTON - As part of a dynamic series of events commemorating its landmark 35th anniversary on July 2, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) today announced the winners of its National Student Artwork Contest entitled EEOC Mission Through the Eyes of a Child.

"I am gratified that so many students put their talent and creativity to the test and I congratulate all of the participants for their time and effort," said EEOC Chairwoman Ida L. Castro. "Although only a limited number of competitors will be recognized, in essence, all the students are winners."

Winners were chosen from each grade level from kindergarten through sixth grade with all students receiving a certificate of achievement and first place winners receiving a special plaque. Winning submissions will be incorporated as part of EEOC's 35th anniversary display in the nation's capital and are highlighted on the agency's Internet web site at www.eeoc.gov.

The purpose of the contest is to raise the consciousness of the public in general and educators and students in particular about the rich heritage of civil rights and to showcase EEOC's role in enforcing the anti-discrimination laws and preventing employment discrimination.  Through their artwork submissions, thousands of students across the country expressed their views of what equality and fairness mean to them.  The contest also provided educators with the opportunity to discuss the history and future of equal employment opportunity and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the legislation that created the Commission.

"This competition played an important role in engaging America's children in the Commission's 35th anniversary celebration," said Chairwoman Castro. "We hope that the students' participation in the contest helped to foster an early commitment to such fundamental ideas as fairness, equal opportunity, and respect for diversity. When children accept these ideas early in life, the conflict and hostility that are often at the heart of workplace discrimination can be averted."

In addition to enforcing Title VII, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, and national origin, EEOC enforces Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Equal Pay Act, and sections of the Civil Rights Act of 1991.  Further information about the Commission is available on the agency's web site at www.eeoc.gov.