EEOC Approves MOU Promoting Interagency Coordination

WASHINGTON – Today, by a vote of 3-2, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) voted to approve entering into a revised Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) and the U.S. Department of Justice.  The MOU promotes interagency coordination in the enforcement of equal employment opportunity (EEO) laws, maximizing efficiency and eliminating duplication and inconsistency among the three agencies.

First entered into in 1970, the MOU reflects the agencies’ long-standing commitment to coordinating their efforts and serving the public.  The revised MOU, last updated in 2011, maintains OFCCP’s role as the Commission’ agent in processing particular complaints of employment discrimination and ensures a consistent approach to the agencies’ enforcement efforts.  While not previously a signatory to the MOU, the inclusion of the U.S. Department of Justice epitomizes a renewed commitment by three of the country’s premier civil rights agencies to work together and benefit from one another’s resources and expertise in areas of mutual interest.

EEOC Chair Janet Dhillon said, “I am very pleased with the outcome of today’s meeting and look forward to continuing the decades long collaboration with our sister agencies.”

The MOU becomes effective after the EEOC, OFCCP, and DOJ sign the document. A recording and transcript of the Commission meeting will be posted on www.eeoc.gov at a later date. 

The EEOC advances opportunity in the workplace by enforcing federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. More information is available at www.eeoc.gov.  Stay connected with the latest EEOC news by subscribing to our email updates.