EEOC Glossary for Small Businesses | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

<!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en" dir="ltr" prefix="content: http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/ dc: http://purl.org/dc/terms/ foaf: http://xmlns.com/foaf/0.1/ og: http://ogp.me/ns# rdfs: http://www.w3.org/2000/01/rdf-schema# schema: http://schema.org/ sioc: http://rdfs.org/sioc/ns# sioct: http://rdfs.org/sioc/types# skos: http://www.w3.org/2004/02/skos/core# xsd: http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema# "> <head> <meta charset="utf-8" /> <script async id="_fed_an_ua_tag" type="text/javascript" src="https://dap.digitalgov.gov/Universal-Federated-Analytics-Min.js?agency=EEOC"></script> <meta name="description" content="EEOC Glossary for Small Businesses" /> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.eeoc.gov/employers/small-business/eeoc-glossary-small-businesses" /> <meta property="og:site_name" content="US EEOC" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://www.eeoc.gov/employers/small-business/eeoc-glossary-small-businesses" /> <meta property="og:title" content="EEOC Glossary for Small Businesses" /> <meta property="og:description" content="EEOC Glossary for Small Businesses" /> <meta name="Generator" content="Drupal 10 (https://www.drupal.org)" /> <meta name="MobileOptimized" content="width" /> <meta name="HandheldFriendly" content="true" /> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0" /> <link rel="preload" href="/themes/custom/eeoc_uswds/assets/fonts/merriweather/Latin-Merriweather-Bold.woff2" as="font" crossorigin="anonymous" /> <link rel="preload" href="/themes/custom/eeoc_uswds/assets/fonts/source-sans-pro/sourcesanspro-italic-webfont.woff2" as="font" crossorigin="anonymous" /> <link rel="preload" href="/themes/custom/eeoc_uswds/assets/fonts/source-sans-pro/sourcesanspro-regular-webfont.woff2" as="font" crossorigin="anonymous" /> <link rel="preload" href="/themes/custom/eeoc_uswds/assets/fonts/source-sans-pro/sourcesanspro-bold-webfont.woff2" as="font" crossorigin="anonymous" /> <meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=edge" /> <link rel="icon" href="/themes/custom/eeoc_uswds/favicon.ico" type="image/vnd.microsoft.icon" /> <link rel="alternate" hreflang="en" href="https://www.eeoc.gov/employers/small-business/eeoc-glossary-small-businesses" /> <link rel="alternate" hreflang="es" href="https://www.eeoc.gov/es/employers/small-business/glosario-de-la-eeoc-para-pequenas-empresas" /> <script>window.a2a_config=window.a2a_config||{};a2a_config.callbacks=[];a2a_config.overlays=[];a2a_config.templates={};a2a_config.icon_color = "#005ea2";</script> <title>EEOC Glossary for Small Businesses | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission</title> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/sites/default/files/css/css_--4erNIWizUyjia9etvajgK3diwT7RYRfLotYDcExnQ.css?delta=0&language=en&theme=eeoc_uswds&include=eJx1jFsOAiEMRTdEpksiHegosVDSFhVXr5nh15_7Ss7FnF2wTcAVtkOleSCSFB13JoPLgk1zqrCjURj2yganrpx1dOSQGM0mVDLD2w9KogRNtCKXD123F1ApF4xcdkWdgd7OpT3WzbZqYJwyPOZiSZ6kE6RREg4nDEdhJ90Sdi_SghFqukfsJeJwSVI7kxP82b9vtmME" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/sites/default/files/css/css_bfGsQjji5MzTtiy4-pU7MdiFgsKm3sQhym48qaIxI60.css?delta=1&language=en&theme=eeoc_uswds&include=eJx1jFsOAiEMRTdEpksiHegosVDSFhVXr5nh15_7Ss7FnF2wTcAVtkOleSCSFB13JoPLgk1zqrCjURj2yganrpx1dOSQGM0mVDLD2w9KogRNtCKXD123F1ApF4xcdkWdgd7OpT3WzbZqYJwyPOZiSZ6kE6RREg4nDEdhJ90Sdi_SghFqukfsJeJwSVI7kxP82b9vtmME" /> <script src="/sites/default/files/js/js_8rFu8m_ucs58AeBTX3_iEFk7NuXGEzE37vrqEjzBEKs.js?scope=header&delta=0&language=en&theme=eeoc_uswds&include=eJx1yVEOwyAMA9AL0XIk5JJsRc0IIkHdbj9p9GPStJ_YfgGRK-or4irrrWv1wKw5OTZhizPCsJMsfu58TzAp-fiGu-gGWXYG_XLgp0upR6Q-GmS9ZjBGz3tCKwnDNeujCTvHP_4GsjNIBw"></script> </head> <body class="path-node page-node-type-page"> <a tabindex="1" href="#main-content" class="visually-hidden focusable"> Skip to main content </a> <div class="dialog-off-canvas-main-canvas" data-off-canvas-main-canvas> <section class="usa-banner" aria-label="Official government website"> <div class="usa-accordion"> <header class="usa-banner__header"> <div class="usa-banner__inner"> <div class="grid-col-auto"> <img class="usa-banner__header-flag" src="/themes/custom/eeoc_uswds/assets/img/us_flag_small.png" alt="U.S. flag" width="16" height="11"> </div> <div class="grid-col-fill tablet:grid-col-auto"> <p class="usa-banner__header-text">An official website of the United States government</p> <p class="usa-banner__header-action" aria-hidden="true">Here’s how you know</p> </div> <button tabindex="2" class="usa-accordion__button usa-banner__button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="gov-banner-default"> <span class="usa-banner__button-text">Here’s how you know</span> </button> </div> </header> <div class="usa-banner__content usa-accordion__content" id="gov-banner-default"> <div class="grid-row grid-gap-lg"> <div class="usa-banner__guidance tablet:grid-col-6"> <img class="usa-banner__icon usa-media-block__img" src="/themes/custom/eeoc_uswds/assets/img/icon-dot-gov.svg" role="img" alt="" aria-hidden="true"> <div class="usa-media-block__body"> <p> <strong> Official websites use .gov </strong> <br/> A <strong>.gov</strong> website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. </p> </div> </div> <div class="usa-banner__guidance tablet:grid-col-6"> <img class="usa-banner__icon usa-media-block__img" src="/themes/custom/eeoc_uswds/assets/img/icon-https.svg" role="img" alt="" aria-hidden="true"> <div class="usa-media-block__body"> <p> <strong> Secure .gov websites use HTTPS </strong> <br/> A <strong>lock</strong> ( <span class="icon-lock"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="52" height="64" viewBox="0 0 52 64" class="usa-banner__lock-image" alt="" aria-hidden="true" focusable="false"><title id="banner-lock-title-default">Lock</title><desc id="banner-lock-description-default">A locked padlock</desc><path fill="#000000" fill-rule="evenodd" d="M26 0c10.493 0 19 8.507 19 19v9h3a4 4 0 0 1 4 4v28a4 4 0 0 1-4 4H4a4 4 0 0 1-4-4V32a4 4 0 0 1 4-4h3v-9C7 8.507 15.507 0 26 0zm0 8c-5.979 0-10.843 4.77-10.996 10.712L15 19v9h22v-9c0-6.075-4.925-11-11-11z"/></svg></span> ) or <strong>https://</strong> means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> <div class="usa-overlay"></div> <header class="usa-header usa-header--extended" role="banner"> <div class="usa-navbar"> <div class="region region-header"> <div class="usa-logo" id="logo"> <a href="/" accesskey="1" title="Home" aria-label="U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Home" tabindex="3"> <div class="usa-logo__inner-wrapper"> <div class="grid-row grid-gap-2"> <div class="usa-logo__logo-img-wrapper grid-col-2"> <img class="logo-img" width="82" height="82" src="/themes/custom/eeoc_uswds/logo.svg" alt="Home "/> </div> <div class="usa-logo__text-wrapper grid-col-10"> <em class="usa-logo__text"> U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission </em> </div> </div> </div> </a> </div> </div> <button class="usa-button mobile-search"> <img src="/themes/custom/eeoc_uswds/assets/img/search-primary.svg" alt="search"/> </button> <button class="usa-menu-btn">Menu</button> </div> <div class="region region-site-search"> <div class="views-exposed-form usa-form block block-views block-views-exposed-filter-blockglobal-search-page-1" data-drupal-selector="views-exposed-form-global-search-page-1" id="block-exposedformglobal-searchpage-1"> <form action="/search" method="get" id="views-exposed-form-global-search-page-1" accept-charset="UTF-8" class="usa-search" role="search"> <div class="form--inline clearfix"> <div class="usa-form-group js-form-item form-item js-form-type-search-api-autocomplete form-item-search-keywords js-form-item-search-keywords"> <label class="usa-sr-only usa-label" for="edit-search-keywords">Any of these words <span class="usa-hint">(optional)</span></label> <input placeholder="Search" aria-label="Search the site" data-drupal-selector="edit-search-keywords" data-search-api-autocomplete-search="global_search" class="form-autocomplete form-text usa-input" data-autocomplete-path="/search_api_autocomplete/global_search?display=page_1&&filter=search_keywords" type="text" id="edit-search-keywords" name="search_keywords" value="" size="30" maxlength="128" /> </div> <input data-drupal-selector="edit-langcode" type="hidden" name="langcode" value="" /> <div data-drupal-selector="edit-actions" class="form-actions js-form-wrapper form-wrapper" id="edit-actions"><span class="usa-sr-only">Search</span><input aria-label="Submit Search" data-drupal-selector="edit-submit-global-search" type="submit" id="edit-submit-global-search" value="Search" class="button js-form-submit form-submit usa-button" /> </div> </div> </form> </div> </div> <nav class="usa-nav" role="navigation" aria-label="Main Menu"> <button class="usa-nav__close"> <img src="/themes/custom/eeoc_uswds/assets/img/close.svg" alt="close"/> </button> <div class="usa-nav__inner"> <div class="region region-primary-menu"> <ul class="usa-nav__primary usa-accordion"> <li class="usa-nav__primary-item"> <button class="usa-accordion__button usa-nav__link " aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="megamenu-1"> <span>About EEOC</span> </button> <ul id="megamenu-1" class="usa-nav__submenu usa-megamenu" hidden> <div class="grid-row grid-gap-4"> <div class="usa-col"> <ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list"> <p class="submenu-list__heading"><strong>About EEOC</strong></p> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/overview"> <span>Overview</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/commission"> <span>The Commission and The General Counsel</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/commission-votes"> <span>Commission Votes</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/meetings"> <span>Meetings of the Commission</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/history"> <span>EEOC History</span> </a> </li> <p class="submenu-list__heading"><strong>News and Information</strong></p> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/newsroom/search"> <span>Newsroom</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/wysk"> <span>What You Should Know</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/legislative-affairs"> <span>Legislative Affairs</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/eeoc-publications"> <span>Publications</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/outreach-education-technical-assistance"> <span>Outreach and Education</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/foia"> <span>FOIA</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="usa-col"> <ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list"> <p class="submenu-list__heading"><strong>Laws and Enforcement</strong></p> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/eeoc-legal-resources"> <span>EEOC Legal Resources</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/discrimination-type"> <span>Discrimination by Type</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/mediation"> <span>Mediation</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/eeoc-litigation"> <span>Litigation</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/systemic-enforcement-eeoc"> <span>Systemic Enforcement</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/commissioner-charges-and-directed-investigations"> <span>Commissioner Charges and Directed Investigations</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="usa-col"> <ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list"> <p class="submenu-list__heading"><strong>Programs and Performance</strong></p> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/budget-and-performance"> <span>Budget and Performance</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/eeoc-initiatives"> <span>Initiatives</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/interagency-programs"> <span>Interagency Programs</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/state-and-local-programs"> <span>State and Local Programs</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/eeoc-task-forces"> <span>Task Forces</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/tribal-programs"> <span>Tribal Programs</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="usa-col"> <ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list"> <p class="submenu-list__heading"><strong>Data and Analytics</strong></p> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/data"> <span>Overview</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/data/data-governance"> <span>Data Governance</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/data/eeo-data-collections"> <span>EEO Data Collections</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/data/data-and-statistics"> <span>Data and Statistics</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/data/data-tools-and-products"> <span>Data Tools and Products</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/no-fear/equal-employment-opportunity-data-posted-pursuant-no-fear-act-0"> <span>No FEAR Act Data</span> </a> </li> <p class="submenu-list__heading"><strong>Inside EEOC</strong></p> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/careers"> <span>Careers</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/office-equal-opportunity"> <span>Office for Civil Rights, Diversity and Inclusion</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/doing-business-eeoc"> <span>Doing Business with EEOC</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/ai-governance"> <span>AI Governance</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/privacy-act"> <span>Privacy</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="https://oig.eeoc.gov/"> <span>Office of Inspector General</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> </ul> </li> <li class="usa-nav__primary-item"> <button class="usa-accordion__button usa-nav__link " aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="megamenu-2"> <span>Employees & Job Applicants</span> </button> <ul id="megamenu-2" class="usa-nav__submenu usa-megamenu" hidden> <div class="grid-row grid-gap-4"> <div class="usa-col"> <ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list"> <p class="submenu-list__heading"><strong>Employees & Applicants</strong></p> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/employees-job-applicants"> <span>Overview</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/coverage"> <span>Coverage</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/time-limits-filing-charge"> <span>Timeliness</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/prohibited-employment-policiespractices"> <span>Prohibited Practices</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="usa-col"> <ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list"> <p class="submenu-list__heading"><strong>Filing a Charge of Discrimination</strong></p> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/filing-charge-discrimination"> <span>Filing a Charge</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/how-file-charge-employment-discrimination"> <span>How to File</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/what-you-can-expect-after-you-file-charge"> <span>After You File a Charge</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/confidentiality"> <span>Confidentiality</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/mediation"> <span>Mediation</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/remedies-employment-discrimination"> <span>Remedies</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/after-you-have-filed-charge"> <span>Existing Charges</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/filing-lawsuit"> <span>Filing a Lawsuit</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="usa-col"> <ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list"> <p class="submenu-list__heading"><strong>Discrimination by Type</strong></p> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/age-discrimination"> <span>Age</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/eeoc-disability-related-resources"> <span>Disability</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/equal-paycompensation-discrimination"> <span>Equal Pay</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/genetic-information-discrimination"> <span>Genetic Information</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/harassment"> <span>Harassment</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/national-origin-discrimination"> <span>National Origin Discrimination </span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/pregnancy-discrimination"> <span>Pregnancy Discrimination </span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/racecolor-discrimination"> <span>Race/Color Discrimination </span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/religious-discrimination"> <span>Religious Discrimination </span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/retaliation"> <span>Retaliation</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/sex-based-discrimination"> <span>Sex</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/sexual-harassment"> <span>Sexual Harassment</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/sexual-orientation-and-gender-identity-sogi-discrimination"> <span>Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> </ul> </li> <li class="usa-nav__primary-item"> <button class="usa-accordion__button usa-nav__link " aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="megamenu-3"> <span>Employers / Small Business</span> </button> <ul id="megamenu-3" class="usa-nav__submenu usa-megamenu" hidden> <div class="grid-row grid-gap-4"> <div class="usa-col"> <ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list"> <p class="submenu-list__heading"><strong>Employers / Small Business</strong></p> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/employers"> <span>Overview</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/coverage"> <span>Coverage</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/employers/what-you-can-expect-after-charge-filed"> <span>After a Charge is Filed</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/employers/resolving-charge"> <span>Resolving a Charge</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/commissioner-charges-and-directed-investigations"> <span>Commissioner Charges and Directed Investigations</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/remedies-employment-discrimination"> <span>Remedies</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="usa-col"> <ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list"> <p class="submenu-list__heading"><strong>Small Business Resource Center</strong></p> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/employers/small-business"> <span>Small Business Home</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/employers/small-business/small-business-requirements"> <span>Small Business Requirements</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/employers/small-business/frequently-asked-questions"> <span>Frequently Asked Questions</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/employers/small-business/tips-small-businesses"> <span>Tips for Small Businesses</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/employers/small-business/making-employment-decision"> <span>Making an Employment Decision?</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/employers/small-business/eeoc-resources"> <span>EEOC Resources</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/employers/small-business/small-business-assistance"> <span>Small Business Assistance</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/employers/small-business/small-business-fact-sheet"> <span>Small Business Fact Sheet</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/employers/small-business/small-business-videos"> <span>Small Business Videos</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/employers/small-business/eeoc-glossary-small-businesses"> <span>EEOC Glossary</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/employers/small-business/contact-us"> <span>Contact Us</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="usa-col"> <ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list"> <p class="submenu-list__heading"><strong>Discrimination by Type</strong></p> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/age-discrimination"> <span>Age</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/eeoc-disability-related-resources"> <span>Disability</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/equal-paycompensation-discrimination"> <span>Equal Pay</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/genetic-information-discrimination"> <span>Genetic Information</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/harassment"> <span>Harassment</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/national-origin-discrimination"> <span>National Origin</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/pregnancy-discrimination"> <span>Pregnancy</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/racecolor-discrimination"> <span>Race/Color</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/religious-discrimination"> <span>Religion</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/retaliation"> <span>Retaliation</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/sex-based-discrimination"> <span>Sex</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/sexual-harassment"> <span>Sexual Harassment</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/sexual-orientation-and-gender-identity-sogi-discrimination"> <span>Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/prohibited-employment-policiespractices"> <span>Prohibited Practices</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="usa-col"> <ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list"> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/employers/recordkeeping-requirements"> <span>Recordkeeping</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/data/eeo-data-collections"> <span>EEO Data Collections</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/poster"> <span>"Know Your Rights" Poster</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/outreach-education-technical-assistance"> <span>Training</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/employers/other-employment-issues"> <span>Other Employment Issues</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> </ul> </li> <li class="usa-nav__primary-item"> <button class="usa-accordion__button usa-nav__link " aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="megamenu-4"> <span>Federal Sector</span> </button> <ul id="megamenu-4" class="usa-nav__submenu usa-megamenu" hidden> <div class="grid-row grid-gap-4"> <div class="usa-col"> <ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list"> <p class="submenu-list__heading"><strong>Federal Agencies</strong></p> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/federal-sector"> <span>Overview</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/federal-sector/eeoc-coordination-federal-government-equal-employment-opportunity"> <span>Federal EEO Coordination</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/federal-sector/federal-agency-eeo-directors"> <span>Federal Agency EEO Directors</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/eeoc-legal-resources"> <span>EEOC Legal Resources</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/federal-sector/management-directive/management-directives-guidance-and-resource-documents"> <span>Management Directives & Federal Sector Guidance</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/federal-sector/federal-training-outreach"> <span>Federal Training & Outreach</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/federal-sector/edcon"> <span>EEO Education Consortium (EDCON)</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/federal-sector/resources-federal-agencies"> <span>Resources</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="usa-col"> <ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list"> <p class="submenu-list__heading"><strong>Federal Employees & Job Applicants</strong></p> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/federal-sector/federal-employees-job-applicants"> <span>Overview</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/federal-sector/overview-federal-sector-eeo-complaint-process"> <span>Federal Complaint Process</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/federal-sector/federal-sector-alternative-dispute-resolution"> <span>Federal Sector Alternative Dispute Resolution</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/discrimination-type"> <span>Discrimination by Type</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/federal-sector/facts-about-discrimination-federal-government-employment-based-marital-status"> <span>Other Federal Protections</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/prohibited-employment-policiespractices"> <span>Prohibited Practices</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/federal-sector/resources-federal-employees-and-job-applicants"> <span>Resources</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> </ul> </li> <li class="usa-nav__primary-item"> <button class="usa-accordion__button usa-nav__link " aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="megamenu-5"> <span>Contact Us</span> </button> <ul id="megamenu-5" class="usa-nav__submenu usa-megamenu" hidden> <div class="grid-row grid-gap-4"> <div class="usa-col"> <ul class="usa-nav__submenu-list"> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/contact-eeoc"> <span>Contact EEOC</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/field-office"> <span>Find Your Nearest Office</span> </a> </li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item"> <a href="/operating-status"> <span>Office Operating Status</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> </ul> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="usa-nav__secondary"> <div class="region region-secondary-menu"> <div id="block-languagemenublock" class="block block-eeoc-blocks block-language-menu-block"> <div class="usa-language"> <div class="usa-accordion usa-language__accordion"> <button class="usa-accordion__button usa-language__button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="gov-language"> <span class="usa-language__button-text">Languages</span> </button> <div class="usa-language__content" id="gov-language"> <ul class="usa-nav__submenu"> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item usa-language__item"><a class="usa-language__link" href="/employers/small-business/eeoc-glossary-small-businesses">English</a></li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item usa-language__item"><a class="usa-language__link" href="/es/employers/small-business/glosario-de-la-eeoc-para-pequenas-empresas">Español (Spanish)</a></li> <p class="submenu-list__heading usa-language__heading">Resources in Other Languages</p> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item usa-language__item"><a class="usa-language__link" href="/ar/almlwmat-ballght-alrbyt">عربي (Arabic)</a></li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item usa-language__item"><a class="usa-language__link" href="/zh-hans/jiantizhongwenxinxi">简体中文 (Chinese, Simplified)</a></li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item usa-language__item"><a class="usa-language__link" href="/zh-hant/fantizhongwenxinxi-0">繁體中文 - Chinese (Traditional)</a></li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item usa-language__item"><a class="usa-language__link" href="/ht/enfomasyon-kreyol-ayisyen">Kreyòl Ayisyen (Haitian Creole)</a></li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item usa-language__item"><a class="usa-language__link" href="/ko/hangugeo-jeongbo">한국어 (Korean)</a></li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item usa-language__item"><a class="usa-language__link" href="/ru/informaciya-na-russkom-yazyke">Русском (Russian)</a></li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item usa-language__item"><a class="usa-language__link" href="/pt-br/informacoes-em-portugues">Português (Portuguese)</a></li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item usa-language__item"><a class="usa-language__link" href="/fil/impormasyon-sa-tagalog">Tagalog (Tagalog)</a></li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item usa-language__item"><a class="usa-language__link" href="/th/khxmuulphasaithy">ไทย (Thai)</a></li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item usa-language__item"><a class="usa-language__link" href="/vi/thong-tin-bang-tieng-viet">Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)</a></li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item usa-language__item"><a class="usa-language__link" href="/fa/asnad-farsy">فارسی (Persian. Farsi)</a></li> <li class="usa-nav__submenu-item usa-language__item"><a class="usa-language__link" href="/ps/sndwnh-ph-pstw-zhbh">پښتو (Pashto)</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </nav> </header> <main class="usa-section" id="main-content" role="main" > <div class="grid-container"> <div class="grid-row "> <section class="grid-col usa-layout-docs__main"> <div class="region region-breadcrumb"> <div id="block-eeoc-uswds-breadcrumbs" class="margin-bottom-2 block block-system block-system-breadcrumb-block"> <div class="grid-row flex-align-center"> <div class="tablet:grid-col-fill"> <h2 id="system-breadcrumb" class="visually-hidden">Breadcrumb</h2> <ol class="add-list-reset uswds-breadcrumbs uswds-horizontal-list"> <li> <a href="/">Home</a> </li> <li> <a href="/employers">Employers</a> </li> <li> <a href="/employers/small-business">Small Business Resource Center</a> </li> <li> EEOC Glossary for Small Businesses </li> </ol> </div> <div class="tablet:grid-col-auto margin-top-2 tablet:margin-top-0"> <div class="addtoany grid-row tablet:flex-justify-end"> <div class="block block-addtoany block-addtoany-block"> <span class="a2a_kit a2a_kit_size_32 addtoany_list" data-a2a-url="https://www.eeoc.gov/employers/small-business/eeoc-glossary-small-businesses" data-a2a-title="EEOC Glossary for Small Businesses"><a class="a2a_button_print" aria-label="Print"></a><a class="a2a_button_email" aria-label="E-mail"></a><a class="a2a_dd addtoany_share" aria-label="Share the content" href="https://www.addtoany.com/share#url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.eeoc.gov%2Femployers%2Fsmall-business%2Feeoc-glossary-small-businesses&title=EEOC%20Glossary%20for%20Small%20Businesses"></a></span> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="region region-highlighted"> <div data-drupal-messages-fallback class="hidden"></div> </div> <div class="region region-content"> <div id="block-eeoc-uswds-content" class="block block-system block-system-main-block"> <article about="/employers/small-business/eeoc-glossary-small-businesses" typeof="schema:WebPage" class="usa-prose page"> <article about="/employers/small-business/eeoc-glossary-small-businesses" typeof="schema:WebPage" class="usa-prose page"> <h1><span property="schema:name" class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">EEOC Glossary for Small Businesses</span> </h1> <span property="schema:name" content="EEOC Glossary for Small Businesses" class="rdf-meta hidden"></span> <section class="layout layout--twocol-66-33"> <div class="grid-row grid-gap-lg usa-in-page-nav-container"> <div class="main-content-2 layout__region layout__region--content tablet:grid-col-8 margin-bottom-4 tablet:margin-bottom-0"> <div class="block block-layout-builder block-extra-field-blocknodepagecontent-moderation-control"> </div> <div class="block block-layout-builder block-extra-field-blocknodepagelinks"> </div> <div class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodepagebody"> <div property="schema:text" class="usa-prose margin-top-3 clearfix text-formatted"> <div property="schema:text" class="usa-prose margin-top-3 clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><div class="usa-alert usa-alert--info"><div class="usa-alert__body"><h4 class="usa-alert__heading">Notice Concerning the Undue Hardship Standard in Title VII Religious Accommodation Cases.</h4><p class="usa-alert__text">This document was issued prior to the Supreme Court’s decision in <em>Groff v. DeJoy</em>, 143 S. Ct. 2279 (2023). The <em>Groff</em> opinion clarified that “showing ‘more than a <em>de minimis</em> cost’…does not suffice to establish undue hardship under Title VII.” Instead, the Supreme Court held that “undue hardship is shown when a burden is substantial in the overall context of an employer’s business,” “tak[ing] into account all relevant factors in the case at hand, including the particular accommodations at issue and their practical impact in light of the nature, size and operating cost of an employer.” <em>Groff</em> supersedes any contrary information on this webpage. For more information about the EEOC’s resources on religious discrimination, please see <a href="https://www.eeoc.gov/religious-discrimination">https://www.eeoc.gov/religious-discrimination</a>.</p></div></div><p> </p><article class="media media--type-image media--view-mode-embed"> <div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Image</div> <div class="field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/migrated_files/employers/smallbusiness/images/glossary_2.jpg" width="800" height="250" alt="glossary" title="glossary_2.jpg" typeof="foaf:Image"> </div> </div> </div> </article> <p> </p><p><a href="#age_discrimination" id="age">Age Discrimination</a></p><p> </p><p><a href="#charge_of_discrimination" id="charge">Charge of Discrimination</a></p><p><a href="#charge_process" id="process">Charge Process</a></p><p><a href="#color_discrimination">Color Discrimination</a></p><p><a href="#complaint_policy">Complaint Policy/Complaint Procedure</a></p><p><a href="#disability">Disability</a></p><p><a href="#disability_accommodation">Disability Accommodation</a></p><p><a href="#disability_discrimination">Disability Discrimination</a></p><p><a href="#discrimination">Discrimination</a></p><p><a href="#eeoc">EEOC</a></p><p><a href="#eeo-1">EEO-1 Report</a></p><p><a href="#fepa">Fair Employment Practices Agencies (FEPAs)</a></p><p><a href="#federal_employment_discrimination_laws">Federal Employment Discrimination Laws</a></p><p><a href="#field_office">Field Office</a></p><p><a href="#genetic_information">Genetic Information</a></p><p><a href="#genetic_information_discrimination">Genetic Information Discrimination</a></p><p><a href="#harassment">Harassment</a></p><p><a href="#investigation">Investigation</a></p><p><a href="#liability">Liability</a></p><p><a href="#mediation">Mediation</a></p><p><a href="#national_origin_discrimination">National Origin Discrimination</a></p><p><a href="#officer_of_the_day">Officer of the Day</a></p><p><a href="#pay_discrimination">Pay Discrimination</a></p><p><a href="#position_statement">Position Statement</a></p><p><a href="#pregnancy_discrimination">Pregnancy Discrimination</a></p><p><a href="#race_discrimination">Race Discrimination</a></p><p><a href="#reasonable_accommodation_disability">Reasonable Accommodation (Disability)</a></p><p><a href="#reasonable_accommodation_religion">Reasonable Accommodation (Religion)</a></p><p><a href="#religious_accommodation">Religious Accommodation</a></p><p><a href="#religious_discrimination">Religious Discrimination</a></p><p><a href="#retaliation">Retaliation</a></p><p><a href="#sex_discrimination">Sex Discrimination</a></p><p><a href="#sexual_harassment">Sexual Harassment</a></p><p><a href="#small_business_liaisons">Small Business Liaisons</a></p><p><a href="#small_business_task_force">Small Business Task Force</a></p><p><a id="age_discrimination" name="age_discrimination"><strong>Age Discrimination:</strong></a> Treating an applicant, employee or former employee who is 40 years old or older less favorably because of his or her <a href="/age-discrimination" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="2f89ae51-291b-4595-99a9-b47f1b2b3b36" title="Age Discrimination">age</a> or using an employment policy or practice that has a <a href="/employers/small-business/hiring-practices-have-negative-effect-certain-applicants" id="CP___PAGEID=194348,hiring_practices_negative_effect.cfm,206|" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="0d7c3c1e-ef5c-478b-8f48-5823a0f0fa28" title="Hiring Practices That Have a Negative Effect on Certain Applicants">negative effect</a> on applicants or employees who are 40 or older and is not based on a <a href="/regulations/questions-and-answers-eeoc-final-rule-disparate-impact-and-reasonable-factors-other-age" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="be48449f-5447-4bee-993a-ccfa930ac3b6" title="Questions and Answers on EEOC Final Rule on Disparate Impact and "Reasonable Factors Other Than Age" Under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967">reasonable factor other than age</a>.</p><p><a id="charge_of_discrimination" name="charge_of_discrimination"><strong>Charge of Discrimination:</strong></a> A formal employment discrimination complaint filed with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or a Fair Employment Practices Agency (FEPA), a state or local agency responsible for enforcing state or local employment discrimination laws.</p><p><a id="charge_process" name="charge_process"><strong>Charge Process:</strong></a> The <a href="/employers/what-you-can-expect-after-charge-filed" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="a12363d4-0226-4965-b425-98baaaf7820c" title="What You Can Expect After a Charge is Filed">process</a> by which the EEOC handles charges of discrimination. The EEOC will notify you that a charge has been filed against your business and request an explanation for the claims in the charge (a <a href="#position_statement">Position Statement</a> ) or responses to specific questions in a Request for Information. The EEOC may ask if you would like to <a href="/employers/resolving-charge" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="0b97905d-09bb-4ec0-8550-90304520d671" title="Resolving a Charge">mediate or settle</a> the charge. If the charge is not resolved, the EEOC will continue its <a href="#investigation">investigation</a>. The EEOC will review the information obtained during the investigation to determine whether discrimination occurred. If the EEOC determines that discrimination did not occur, the EEOC will dismiss the charge and give the person who filed the charge permission to <a href="/filing-lawsuit" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="33d3ff6a-7bb7-480f-bd17-56589484946c" title="Filing a Lawsuit">file a lawsuit</a>. If the EEOC determines that discrimination did occur, it will invite you to <a href="/employers/resolving-charge" id data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="0b97905d-09bb-4ec0-8550-90304520d671" title="Resolving a Charge">conciliate</a> the charge. If conciliation is unsuccessful, the EEOC may file a lawsuit or give the person who filed the charge permission to file a lawsuit.</p><p><a id="color_discrimination" name="color_discrimination"><strong>Color Discrimination:</strong></a> Treating an applicant, employee or former employee less favorably because of his or her <a href="/racecolor-discrimination" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="e0633fc6-7c15-4a40-a584-670928b3fce0" title="Race/Color Discrimination">skin color, pigmentation, complexion, shade or tone</a>. Color discrimination also includes using an employment policy or practice that has a <a href="/employers/small-business/hiring-practices-have-negative-effect-certain-applicants" id="CP___PAGEID=194348,hiring_practices_negative_effect.cfm,206|" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="0d7c3c1e-ef5c-478b-8f48-5823a0f0fa28" title="Hiring Practices That Have a Negative Effect on Certain Applicants">negative effect</a> on applicants or employees of a particular color and that is not related to the job and necessary to the operation of the business.</p><p><a id="complaint_policy" name="complaint_policy"><strong>Complaint Policy/Complaint Procedure:</strong></a> A policy or procedure that informs employees how to file an internal discrimination complaint. Small businesses that have these types of policies or procedures should distribute them to employees, include them in employee handbooks and post them in the employee break room, online or in other places where employees can easily find them.</p><p><a id="disability" name="disability"><strong>Disability:</strong></a> A <a href="/regulations/questions-and-answers-small-businesses-final-rule-implementing-ada-amendments-act-2008" id data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="7473fc83-2979-4f1d-9a88-dcc827dde813" title="Questions and Answers for Small Businesses: The Final Rule Implementing the ADA Amendments Act of 2008">physical or mental disorder, illness or condition</a> (an impairment) that <a href="/regulations/questions-and-answers-small-businesses-final-rule-implementing-ada-amendments-act-2008" id data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="7473fc83-2979-4f1d-9a88-dcc827dde813" title="Questions and Answers for Small Businesses: The Final Rule Implementing the ADA Amendments Act of 2008">substantially limits</a> one or more <a href="/regulations/questions-and-answers-small-businesses-final-rule-implementing-ada-amendments-act-2008" id data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="7473fc83-2979-4f1d-9a88-dcc827dde813" title="Questions and Answers for Small Businesses: The Final Rule Implementing the ADA Amendments Act of 2008">major life activities</a>, a record (past history) of a disability, or being regarded as having a physical or mental impairment that is not transitory (lasting or expected to last six months or less) and minor.</p><p><a id="disability_accommodation" name="disability_accommodation"><strong>Disability Accommodation:</strong></a> A <a href="/fact-sheet/small-employers-and-reasonable-accommodation" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="87d9b37e-71e7-4137-af58-403c3f4377bb" title="Small Employers And Reasonable Accommodation">change to the way things are normally done at work</a> to help an applicant or employee with a disability apply for a job, perform job duties or enjoy job benefits. For example, an employer may provide a sign language interpreter for a deaf applicant, permit an employee with diabetes to take regular breaks to eat and monitor blood sugar and insulin levels, or allow an employee with cancer to rearrange her schedule around radiation or chemotherapy treatments. You are <a href="/fact-sheet/small-employers-and-reasonable-accommodation" id="http://www.eeoc.gov/facts/accommodation.html#undue|" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="87d9b37e-71e7-4137-af58-403c3f4377bb" title="Small Employers And Reasonable Accommodation">not required</a> to provide a disability accommodation if it would result in significant difficulty or expense, based on your resources and the operation of your business. In addition, you are <a href="/publications/americans-disabilities-act-primer-small-business" id="http://www.eeoc.gov/eeoc/publications/adahandbook.cfm#other|" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="324ea891-90d9-41c2-aff8-1caef4f0c546" title="The Americans with Disabilities Act: A Primer for Small Business">not required</a> to provide a disability accommodation that requires you to change the fundamental duties of a job, lower production or performance standards or tolerate misconduct.</p><p><a id="disability_discrimination" name="disability_discrimination"><strong>Disability Discrimination:</strong></a> Treating an applicant, employee or former employee less favorably because the person or someone the person associates with <a href="/eeoc-disability-related-resources" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="47274f9b-207c-403b-84c4-3b4c30ae62d6" title="EEOC Disability-Related Resources">has a disability, had a disability in the past or is believed to have a disability</a>. Disability discrimination also includes <a href="/publications/americans-disabilities-act-primer-small-business" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="324ea891-90d9-41c2-aff8-1caef4f0c546" title="The Americans with Disabilities Act: A Primer for Small Business">failing to provide a disability accommodation</a> to an applicant or employee, unless the accommodation would require significant difficulty or expense, changing fundamental job duties, lowering production or performance standards or tolerating misconduct. In addition, disability discrimination includes using an employment policy or practice that has a <a href="/employers/small-business/hiring-practices-have-negative-effect-certain-applicants" id="CP___PAGEID=194348,hiring_practices_negative_effect.cfm,206|" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="0d7c3c1e-ef5c-478b-8f48-5823a0f0fa28" title="Hiring Practices That Have a Negative Effect on Certain Applicants">negative effect</a> on an applicant or employee with a disability or a group of applicants or employees with disabilities and that does not reflect what is actually required to do the job.</p><p><a id="discrimination" name="discrimination"><strong>Discrimination:</strong></a> Treating a person or a group of people less favorably. Federal law prohibits employment discrimination based on <a href="/racecolor-discrimination" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="e0633fc6-7c15-4a40-a584-670928b3fce0" title="Race/Color Discrimination">race</a>, <a href="/racecolor-discrimination" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="e0633fc6-7c15-4a40-a584-670928b3fce0" title="Race/Color Discrimination">color</a>, <a href="/religious-discrimination" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="4589f77f-5090-4d26-8220-c33c99bb3b80" title="Religious Discrimination">religion</a>, <a href="/sex-based-discrimination" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="ffdb10f0-8b51-4232-bf56-8855bf0a9659" title="Sex-Based Discrimination">sex</a> (including <a href="/pregnancy-discrimination" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="b5c9d046-d0ff-4d9b-9b9a-b92120f0fece" title="Pregnancy Discrimination and Pregnancy-Related Disability Discrimination">pregnancy</a>, <a href="https://www.eeoc.gov/sexual-orientation-and-gender-identity-sogi-discrimination" title="sexual orientation" aria-label id rel data-entity-substitution data-entity-type data-entity-uuid target>sexual orientation</a>, or <a href="https://www.eeoc.gov/sexual-orientation-and-gender-identity-sogi-discrimination" title="gender identity" aria-label id rel data-entity-substitution data-entity-type data-entity-uuid target>gender identity</a>), <a href="/national-origin-discrimination" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="e1053a36-db42-42b3-adcd-49567172552c" title="National Origin Discrimination">national origin</a>, <a href="/eeoc-disability-related-resources" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="47274f9b-207c-403b-84c4-3b4c30ae62d6" title="EEOC Disability-Related Resources">disability</a>, <a href="/age-discrimination" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="2f89ae51-291b-4595-99a9-b47f1b2b3b36" title="Age Discrimination">age</a> (40 years old or older), <a href="/genetic-information-discrimination" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="e6f72a26-1fb9-46d6-add1-34d8bab67ff0" title="Genetic Information Discrimination">genetic information</a> (including family medical history) or in <a href="/retaliation" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="6efc8fbe-8a34-4d20-8776-b02d3dc07cb9" title="Retaliation">retaliation</a> for filing a charge or complaint of discrimination, participating in a discrimination proceeding (such as an investigation or lawsuit) or opposing discrimination.</p><p><a id="eeoc" name="eeoc"><strong>EEOC:</strong></a> <a href="https://www.eeoc.gov/" title="U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission" data-entity-substitution data-entity-type data-entity-uuid>U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission</a>. The EEOC is the federal agency that enforces the federal laws that prohibit employment discrimination based on <a href="/racecolor-discrimination" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="e0633fc6-7c15-4a40-a584-670928b3fce0" title="Race/Color Discrimination">race</a>, <a href="/racecolor-discrimination" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="e0633fc6-7c15-4a40-a584-670928b3fce0" title="Race/Color Discrimination">color</a>, <a href="/religious-discrimination" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="4589f77f-5090-4d26-8220-c33c99bb3b80" title="Religious Discrimination">religion</a>, <a href="/sex-based-discrimination" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="ffdb10f0-8b51-4232-bf56-8855bf0a9659" title="Sex-Based Discrimination">sex</a> (including <a href="/pregnancy-discrimination" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="b5c9d046-d0ff-4d9b-9b9a-b92120f0fece" title="Pregnancy Discrimination and Pregnancy-Related Disability Discrimination">pregnancy</a>, <a href="https://www.eeoc.gov/sexual-orientation-and-gender-identity-sogi-discrimination" title="sexual orientation" aria-label id rel data-entity-substitution data-entity-type data-entity-uuid target>sexual orientation</a>, or <a href="https://www.eeoc.gov/sexual-orientation-and-gender-identity-sogi-discrimination" title="gender identity" aria-label id rel data-entity-substitution data-entity-type data-entity-uuid target>gender identity</a>), <a href="/national-origin-discrimination" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="e1053a36-db42-42b3-adcd-49567172552c" title="National Origin Discrimination">national origin</a>, <a href="/eeoc-disability-related-resources" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="47274f9b-207c-403b-84c4-3b4c30ae62d6" title="EEOC Disability-Related Resources">disability</a>, <a href="/age-discrimination" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="2f89ae51-291b-4595-99a9-b47f1b2b3b36" title="Age Discrimination">age</a> (40 years old or older) and <a href="/genetic-information-discrimination" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="e6f72a26-1fb9-46d6-add1-34d8bab67ff0" title="Genetic Information Discrimination">genetic information</a> (including family medical history). The laws enforced by the EEOC also prohibit <a href="/retaliation" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="6efc8fbe-8a34-4d20-8776-b02d3dc07cb9" title="Retaliation">retaliation</a>. The EEOC is a <a href="/commission" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="a8e8cbf5-1e3a-4cc9-94aa-f9dc0f266836" title="The Commission and the General Counsel">bipartisan Commission</a> led by five Commissioners who are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The EEOC has a headquarters office in Washington, D.C. and 53 <a href="http://www.eeoc.gov/field/">field offices</a> throughout the United States.</p><p><a id="eeo-1" name="eeo-1"><strong>EEO-1 Report:</strong></a> A <a href="https://www.eeoc.gov/data/eeo-data-collections">government form</a> that requests data about workforce ethnicity, race and gender. Employers with at least 100 employees and federal contractors with at least 50 employees and at least $50,000 in government contracts are required to complete and submit the EEO-1 form to the EEOC and the Department of Labor every year.</p><p><a id="fepa" name="fepa"><strong>Fair Employment Practices Agencies (FEPAs):</strong></a> <a href="/fair-employment-practices-agencies-fepas-and-dual-filing" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="513a9733-443f-416a-9115-84834850baa0" title="Fair Employment Practices Agencies (FEPAs) and Dual Filing">State and local agencies</a> responsible for enforcing state and local employment discrimination laws.</p><p><a id="federal_employment_discrimination_laws" name="federal_employment_discrimination_laws"><strong>Federal Employment Discrimination Laws:</strong></a> Laws that apply in every state that prohibit employment discrimination based on <a href="/racecolor-discrimination" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="e0633fc6-7c15-4a40-a584-670928b3fce0" title="Race/Color Discrimination">race</a>, <a href="/racecolor-discrimination" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="e0633fc6-7c15-4a40-a584-670928b3fce0" title="Race/Color Discrimination">color</a>, <a href="/religious-discrimination" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="4589f77f-5090-4d26-8220-c33c99bb3b80" title="Religious Discrimination">religion</a>, <a href="/sex-based-discrimination" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="ffdb10f0-8b51-4232-bf56-8855bf0a9659" title="Sex-Based Discrimination">sex</a> (including <a href="/pregnancy-discrimination" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="b5c9d046-d0ff-4d9b-9b9a-b92120f0fece" title="Pregnancy Discrimination and Pregnancy-Related Disability Discrimination">pregnancy</a>, <a href="https://www.eeoc.gov/sexual-orientation-and-gender-identity-sogi-discrimination" title="sexual orientation" aria-label id rel data-entity-substitution data-entity-type data-entity-uuid target>sexual orientation</a>, or <a href="https://www.eeoc.gov/sexual-orientation-and-gender-identity-sogi-discrimination" title="gender identity" aria-label id rel data-entity-substitution data-entity-type data-entity-uuid target>gender identity</a>), <a href="/national-origin-discrimination" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="e1053a36-db42-42b3-adcd-49567172552c" title="National Origin Discrimination">national origin</a>, <a href="/eeoc-disability-related-resources" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="47274f9b-207c-403b-84c4-3b4c30ae62d6" title="EEOC Disability-Related Resources">disability</a>, <a href="/age-discrimination" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="2f89ae51-291b-4595-99a9-b47f1b2b3b36" title="Age Discrimination">age</a> (40 or older) and <a href="/genetic-information-discrimination" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="e6f72a26-1fb9-46d6-add1-34d8bab67ff0" title="Genetic Information Discrimination">genetic information</a> (including family medical history). These laws also prohibit <a href="/retaliation" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="6efc8fbe-8a34-4d20-8776-b02d3dc07cb9" title="Retaliation">retaliation</a>. These laws include <a href="/statutes/title-vii-civil-rights-act-1964" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="9d7e5a0d-ecdc-4ce3-9a40-fd2458b93088" title="Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964">Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964</a>, the <a href="/statutes/equal-pay-act-1963" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="6c4e173b-e5d1-4dde-9411-81869d3f052c" title="Equal Pay Act of 1963">Equal Pay Act of 1963</a>, the <a href="/statutes/age-discrimination-employment-act-1967" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="9d95f762-b490-4626-a34a-191e0f6b23a5" title="Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967">Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967</a>, <a href="/statutes/titles-i-and-v-americans-disabilities-act-1990-ada" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="25b6fa96-ccb5-43aa-8e63-2c2841ebdf40" title="Titles I and V of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA)">Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990</a> and <a href="/statutes/genetic-information-nondiscrimination-act-2008" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="8a37ac41-1fd6-4126-908f-fe827c6e6273" title="Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008">Title II of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008</a>.</p><p><a id="field_office" name="field_office"><strong>Field Office:</strong></a> One of the EEOC's 53 offices located across the country. <a href="http://www.eeoc.gov/field/">Field offices</a> accept, <a href="/what-you-can-expect-after-you-file-charge" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="114b6b5b-92a1-4d47-b0ef-2b50cdf58c20" title="What You Can Expect After You File a Charge">investigate</a>, <a href="/employers/resolving-charge" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="0b97905d-09bb-4ec0-8550-90304520d671" title="Resolving a Charge">resolve</a> and <a href="/eeoc-litigation" id="CP___PAGEID=7959,index.cfm,63|" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="18f945d5-6096-463f-9f58-599db829ea0b" title="EEOC Litigation">litigate</a> charges of employment discrimination . Field offices also conduct <a href="/outreach-education-technical-assistance" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="cc7747eb-17ff-43c6-a92b-57961aeb9ee3" title="Outreach, Education & Technical Assistance">outreach and training</a>.</p><p><a id="genetic_information" name="genetic_information"><strong>Genetic Information:</strong></a> <a href="/genetic-information-discrimination" id="http://www.eeoc.gov/laws/types/genetic.cfm#definition|" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="e6f72a26-1fb9-46d6-add1-34d8bab67ff0" title="Genetic Information Discrimination">Information</a> about an applicant's, employee's or former employee's genetic tests; a family member's genetic tests; family medical history; requests for, or receipt of, genetic services; or genetic information about a fetus or an embryo.</p><p><a id="genetic_information_discrimination" name="genetic_information_discrimination"><strong>Genetic Information Discrimination:</strong></a> Treating an applicant, employee or former employee less favorably because of <a href="/genetic-information-discrimination" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="e6f72a26-1fb9-46d6-add1-34d8bab67ff0" title="Genetic Information Discrimination">genetic information</a> (including family medical history). For example, an employer may not refuse to hire an applicant because cancer runs in her family.</p><p><a id="harassment" name="harassment"><strong>Harassment:</strong></a> Unwelcome conduct that is so frequent or severe that it objectively creates a hostile or offensive work environment or results in a negative employment action (such as being fired or demoted). For example, assault, threats, insults or offensive graffiti may be illegal harassment. Federal law prohibits <a href="/harassment" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="251cd9cb-27a8-4184-b4bd-00555cee8925" title="Harassment">harassment</a> based on <a href="/racecolor-discrimination" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="e0633fc6-7c15-4a40-a584-670928b3fce0" title="Race/Color Discrimination">race</a>, <a href="/racecolor-discrimination" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="e0633fc6-7c15-4a40-a584-670928b3fce0" title="Race/Color Discrimination">color</a>, <a href="/religious-discrimination" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="4589f77f-5090-4d26-8220-c33c99bb3b80" title="Religious Discrimination">religion</a>, <a href="/sex-based-discrimination" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="ffdb10f0-8b51-4232-bf56-8855bf0a9659" title="Sex-Based Discrimination">sex</a> (including <a href="/pregnancy-discrimination" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="b5c9d046-d0ff-4d9b-9b9a-b92120f0fece" title="Pregnancy Discrimination and Pregnancy-Related Disability Discrimination">pregnancy</a>, <a href="https://www.eeoc.gov/sexual-orientation-and-gender-identity-sogi-discrimination" title="sexual orientation" aria-label id rel data-entity-substitution data-entity-type data-entity-uuid target>sexual orientation</a>, or <a href="https://www.eeoc.gov/sexual-orientation-and-gender-identity-sogi-discrimination" title="gender identity" aria-label id rel data-entity-substitution data-entity-type data-entity-uuid target>gender identity</a>), <a href="/national-origin-discrimination" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="e1053a36-db42-42b3-adcd-49567172552c" title="National Origin Discrimination">national origin</a>, <a href="/eeoc-disability-related-resources" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="47274f9b-207c-403b-84c4-3b4c30ae62d6" title="EEOC Disability-Related Resources">disability</a>, <a href="/age-discrimination" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="2f89ae51-291b-4595-99a9-b47f1b2b3b36" title="Age Discrimination">age</a> (40 years old or older) or <a href="/genetic-information-discrimination" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="e6f72a26-1fb9-46d6-add1-34d8bab67ff0" title="Genetic Information Discrimination">genetic information</a> (including family medical history).</p><p><a id="investigation" name="investigation"><strong>Investigation:</strong></a> The <a href="/employers/what-you-can-expect-after-charge-filed" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="a12363d4-0226-4965-b425-98baaaf7820c" title="What You Can Expect After a Charge is Filed">process</a> by which an employer and/or the EEOC determine whether illegal discrimination has occurred. The employer and/or the EEOC may interview the applicant, employee or former employee who complained about discrimination; the person or people allegedly responsible for the discrimination; and other employees who may have seen or have information about the alleged discrimination. The employer and/or the EEOC may also request and review relevant documents, such as policies, applications, interview notes or employee files.</p><p><a id="liability" name="liability"><strong>Liability:</strong></a> Legal responsibility for illegal activity, such as discrimination.</p><p><a id="mediation" name="mediation"><strong>Mediation:</strong></a> A free, informal, confidential <a href="/employers/small-business/10-how-can-eeocs-mediation-program-help-me-resolve-charge-discrimination" id="CP___PAGEID=193764,how_can_mediation_help.cfm,204|" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="5b69d08d-34ce-4048-adcb-e02e0addef53" title="10. How can the EEOC's mediation program help me resolve a charge of discrimination?">process</a> to resolve disputes .</p><p><a id="national_origin_discrimination" name="national_origin_discrimination"><strong>National Origin Discrimination:</strong></a> Treating an applicant, employee or former employee less favorably because the person or someone the person associates with <a href="/national-origin-discrimination" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="e1053a36-db42-42b3-adcd-49567172552c" title="National Origin Discrimination">comes from a particular country, has a foreign accent, appears to have a particular ethnic background</a>. National origin discrimination also includes using an employment policy or practice that has a <a href="/employers/small-business/hiring-practices-have-negative-effect-certain-applicants" id="CP___PAGEID=194348,hiring_practices_negative_effect.cfm,206|" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="0d7c3c1e-ef5c-478b-8f48-5823a0f0fa28" title="Hiring Practices That Have a Negative Effect on Certain Applicants">negative effect</a> on applicants or employees of a particular national origin and that is not related to the job and necessary to the operation of the business.</p><p><a id="officer_of_the_day" name="officer_of_the_day"><strong>Officer of the Day:</strong></a> EEOC staff <a href="/employers/small-business/contact-us" id="CP___PAGEID=193741,contact.cfm,180|" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="8049169a-32cc-4b3d-99cc-d635e2e4f77b" title="Contact Us">available</a> to provide information about the laws enforced by the EEOC. Conversations with Officers of the Day will not be shared with EEOC staff who investigate, resolve, and litigate charges of discrimination.</p><p><a id="pay_discrimination" name="pay_discrimination"><strong>Pay Discrimination:</strong></a> Paying an employee or a group of employees less based on <a href="/racecolor-discrimination" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="e0633fc6-7c15-4a40-a584-670928b3fce0" title="Race/Color Discrimination">race</a>, <a href="/racecolor-discrimination" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="e0633fc6-7c15-4a40-a584-670928b3fce0" title="Race/Color Discrimination">color</a>, <a href="/religious-discrimination" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="4589f77f-5090-4d26-8220-c33c99bb3b80" title="Religious Discrimination">religion</a>, <a href="/sex-based-discrimination" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="ffdb10f0-8b51-4232-bf56-8855bf0a9659" title="Sex-Based Discrimination">sex</a> (including <a href="/pregnancy-discrimination" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="b5c9d046-d0ff-4d9b-9b9a-b92120f0fece" title="Pregnancy Discrimination and Pregnancy-Related Disability Discrimination">pregnancy</a>, <a href="https://www.eeoc.gov/sexual-orientation-and-gender-identity-sogi-discrimination" title="sexual orientation" aria-label id rel data-entity-substitution data-entity-type data-entity-uuid target>sexual orientation</a>, or <a href="https://www.eeoc.gov/sexual-orientation-and-gender-identity-sogi-discrimination" title="gender identity" aria-label id rel data-entity-substitution data-entity-type data-entity-uuid target>gender identity</a>), <a href="/national-origin-discrimination" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="e1053a36-db42-42b3-adcd-49567172552c" title="National Origin Discrimination">national origin</a>, <a href="/age-discrimination" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="2f89ae51-291b-4595-99a9-b47f1b2b3b36" title="Age Discrimination">age</a> (40 or older), <a href="/eeoc-disability-related-resources" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="47274f9b-207c-403b-84c4-3b4c30ae62d6" title="EEOC Disability-Related Resources">disability</a> or <a href="/genetic-information-discrimination" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="e6f72a26-1fb9-46d6-add1-34d8bab67ff0" title="Genetic Information Discrimination">genetic information</a> (including family medical history). <a href="/equal-paycompensation-discrimination" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="e5e75ef0-f015-4747-9ef7-01e16ff8b21a" title="Equal Pay/Compensation Discrimination">Pay discrimination</a> also includes paying an employee or group of employees less because they filed a discrimination charge or complaint or participated in a discrimination investigation or lawsuit.</p><p><a id="position_statement" name="position_statement"><strong>Position Statement:</strong></a> An employer's response to a charge of discrimination, providing specific, factual explanations for the claims in the charge.</p><p><a id="pregnancy_discrimination" name="pregnancy_discrimination"><strong>Pregnancy Discrimination:</strong></a> Treating an applicant, employee or former employee less favorably because of <a href="/pregnancy-discrimination" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="b5c9d046-d0ff-4d9b-9b9a-b92120f0fece" title="Pregnancy Discrimination and Pregnancy-Related Disability Discrimination">pregnancy</a>, past pregnancy, potential or intended pregnancy, childbirth or a medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth. Pregnancy discrimination also includes using an employment policy or practice that has a <a href="/employers/small-business/hiring-practices-have-negative-effect-certain-applicants" id="CP___PAGEID=194348,hiring_practices_negative_effect.cfm,206|" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="0d7c3c1e-ef5c-478b-8f48-5823a0f0fa28" title="Hiring Practices That Have a Negative Effect on Certain Applicants">negative effect</a> on women affected by pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions and that is not related to the job and necessary to the operation of the business.</p><p><a id="race_discrimination" name="race_discrimination"><strong>Race Discrimination:</strong></a> Treating an applicant, employee or former employee less favorably because the person or someone the person associates with is a particular <a href="/racecolor-discrimination" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="e0633fc6-7c15-4a40-a584-670928b3fce0" title="Race/Color Discrimination">race</a> or has personal characteristics associated with a particular race. Race discrimination also includes using an employment policy or practice that has a <a href="/employers/small-business/hiring-practices-have-negative-effect-certain-applicants" id="CP___PAGEID=194348,hiring_practices_negative_effect.cfm,206|" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="0d7c3c1e-ef5c-478b-8f48-5823a0f0fa28" title="Hiring Practices That Have a Negative Effect on Certain Applicants">negative effect</a> on applicants or employees of a particular race and that is not related to the job and necessary to the operation of the business.</p><p><a id="reasonable_accommodation_disability" name="reasonable_accommodation_disability"><strong>Reasonable Accommodation (Disability):</strong></a> See <a href="#disability_accommodation">Disability Accommodation</a></p><p><a id="reasonable_accommodation_religion" name="reasonable_accommodation_religion"><strong>Reasonable Accommodation (Religion):</strong></a> See <a href="#religious_accommodation">Religious Accommodation</a></p><p><a id="religious_accommodation" name="religious_accommodation"><strong>Religious Accommodation:</strong></a> A <a href="/religious-discrimination" id="http://www.eeoc.gov/laws/types/religion.cfm#reasonable|" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="4589f77f-5090-4d26-8220-c33c99bb3b80" title="Religious Discrimination">change to the way things are normally done at work</a> to allow an applicant or employee to practice or observe his or her religion. For example, a small business may permit an employee to swap shifts with a colleague so he can observe a religious holiday or <a href="/publications/fact-sheet-religious-garb-and-grooming-workplace-rights-and-responsibilities" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="b67ba334-a52d-4bd3-b053-0e395b0965d4" title="Fact Sheet on Religious Garb and Grooming in the Workplace: Rights and Responsibilities">grant an exception to a dress or grooming policy</a> that conflicts with an employee's religious beliefs or practices. You are not required to provide religious accommodations that impose <a href="http://www.eeoc.gov/policy/docs/qanda_religion.html#q9" id="http://www.eeoc.gov/policy/docs/qanda_religion.html#q9|">more than minimal costs or disruptions</a> for your business. In addition, you are not required to provide a religious accommodation if it would conflict with another law or regulation.</p><p><a id="religious_discrimination" name="religious_discrimination"><strong>Religious Discrimination:</strong></a> Treating an applicant, employee or former employee less favorably because of his or her <a href="/religious-discrimination" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="4589f77f-5090-4d26-8220-c33c99bb3b80" title="Religious Discrimination">religious beliefs</a> or association with a person of a particular religion. Religious discrimination also includes <a href="http://www.eeoc.gov/policy/docs/qanda_religion.html#q6" id="http://www.eeoc.gov/policy/docs/qanda_religion.html#q6|">failing to provide a religious accommodation</a>, unless the accommodation would impose <a href="http://www.eeoc.gov/policy/docs/qanda_religion.html#q9" id="http://www.eeoc.gov/policy/docs/qanda_religion.html#q9|">more than minimal costs or disruptions</a> for your business. In addition, religious discrimination includes using an employment policy or practice that has a <a href="/employers/small-business/hiring-practices-have-negative-effect-certain-applicants" id="CP___PAGEID=194348,hiring_practices_negative_effect.cfm,206|" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="0d7c3c1e-ef5c-478b-8f48-5823a0f0fa28" title="Hiring Practices That Have a Negative Effect on Certain Applicants">negative effect</a> on members of a particular religion and that is not job related and necessary to the operation of the business.</p><p><a id="retaliation" name="retaliation"><strong>Retaliation:</strong></a> Treating an applicant, employee or former employee less favorably because he or she made an internal discrimination complaint, filed a discrimination charge with the EEOC or another agency, participated in a discrimination investigation or lawsuit (for example, served as a witness), or opposed discrimination (for example, threatened to file a charge of discrimination). All of the laws enforced by the EEOC prohibit <a href="/retaliation" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="6efc8fbe-8a34-4d20-8776-b02d3dc07cb9" title="Retaliation">retaliation</a>.</p><p><a id="sex_discrimination" name="sex_discrimination"><strong>Sex Discrimination:</strong></a> Treating an applicant, employee or former employee less favorably because of his or her <a href="/sex-based-discrimination" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="ffdb10f0-8b51-4232-bf56-8855bf0a9659" title="Sex-Based Discrimination">sex</a> (including <a href="/pregnancy-discrimination" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="b5c9d046-d0ff-4d9b-9b9a-b92120f0fece" title="Pregnancy Discrimination and Pregnancy-Related Disability Discrimination">pregnancy</a>, <a href="https://www.eeoc.gov/sexual-orientation-and-gender-identity-sogi-discrimination" title="sexual orientation" aria-label id rel data-entity-substitution data-entity-type data-entity-uuid target>sexual orientation</a>, or <a href="https://www.eeoc.gov/sexual-orientation-and-gender-identity-sogi-discrimination" title="gender identity" aria-label id rel data-entity-substitution data-entity-type data-entity-uuid target>gender identity</a>) or because of his or her connection with an organization or group that is associated with people of a particular sex. Sex discrimination also includes using an employment policy or practice that has a <a href="/employers/small-business/hiring-practices-have-negative-effect-certain-applicants" id="CP___PAGEID=194348,hiring_practices_negative_effect.cfm,206|" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="0d7c3c1e-ef5c-478b-8f48-5823a0f0fa28" title="Hiring Practices That Have a Negative Effect on Certain Applicants">negative effect</a> on men or women and that is not related to the job and necessary to the operation of the business.</p><p><a id="sexual_harassment" name="sexual_harassment"><strong>Sexual Harassment:</strong></a> Unwelcome conduct or comments based on sex (including <a href="/pregnancy-discrimination" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="b5c9d046-d0ff-4d9b-9b9a-b92120f0fece" title="Pregnancy Discrimination and Pregnancy-Related Disability Discrimination">pregnancy</a>, <a href="https://www.eeoc.gov/sexual-orientation-and-gender-identity-sogi-discrimination" title="sexual orientation" aria-label id rel data-entity-substitution data-entity-type data-entity-uuid target>sexual orientation</a>, or <a href="https://www.eeoc.gov/sexual-orientation-and-gender-identity-sogi-discrimination" title="gender identity" aria-label id rel data-entity-substitution data-entity-type data-entity-uuid target>gender identity</a>) that are so frequent or severe that they objectively create a hostile or offensive work environment or result in a negative employment action (such as being fired or demoted). <a href="/sexual-harassment" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="94059086-f0eb-47c7-b114-e69cf0e28de7" title="Sexual Harassment">Sexual harassment</a> includes unwelcome sexual advances, unwelcome requests for sexual favors, offensive comments about men or women (including comments that are not sexual in nature) or other offensive conduct based on sex.</p><p><a id="small_business_liaisons" name="small_business_liaisons"><strong>Small Business Liaisons:</strong></a> EEOC staff who are responsible for helping small businesses understand and comply with federal employment discrimination laws. The <a href="/employers/small-business-liaisons" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="aea83c47-7fd2-4d6b-bad7-8a76e20b425d" title="Small Business Liaisons">Small Business Liaisons</a>, who are located in EEOC field offices across the country, provide information about employment discrimination, answer questions and conduct <a href="/outreach-education-technical-assistance" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="cc7747eb-17ff-43c6-a92b-57961aeb9ee3" title="Outreach, Education & Technical Assistance">outreach and training</a> for small businesses. Conversations with Small Business Liaisons will not be shared with EEOC staff who investigate, resolve, and litigate charges of discrimination.</p><p><a id="small_business_task_force" name="small_business_task_force"><strong>Small Business Task Force:</strong></a> An <a href="/newsroom/eeoc-launches-small-business-task-force" data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="276332e1-73f7-4d0c-8b0d-45449ba4afe2" title="EEOC Launches Small Business Task Force">EEOC work group</a>, led by <a href="https://www.eeoc.gov/newsroom/constance-barker-sworn-eeoc-commissioner" title="Commissioner Constance S. Barker" data-entity-substitution data-entity-type data-entity-uuid>Commissioner Constance S. Barker</a>, created to help small businesses understand and comply with federal employment discrimination laws.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content tablet:grid-col-4"> <div class="language-switcher-language-url block block-language block-language-blocklanguage-interface" role="navigation"> <div class="usa-language__switcher usa-accordion"> <h2 class="usa-accordion__heading" id="language-switcher-heading"> <button class="usa-accordion__button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="language-switcher" id="language-switcher-button" aria-labelledby="language-switcher-heading" aria-describedby="language-switcher-button"> Translate this Page </button> </h2> <div class="usa-accordion__content usa-prose" id="language-switcher" aria-labelledby="language-switcher-button" hidden> <ul class="language-switcher-language-url usa-language__switcher-list links"><li hreflang="en" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/25279" class="en is-active" aria-current="page"><a href="/employers/small-business/eeoc-glossary-small-businesses" class="language-link is-active" hreflang="en" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/25279" aria-current="page">English</a></li><li hreflang="es" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/25279" class="es"><a href="/es/employers/small-business/glosario-de-la-eeoc-para-pequenas-empresas" class="language-link" hreflang="es" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/25279">Español (Spanish)</a></li></ul> </div> </div> </div> <div class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodepagefield-in-page-navigation"> <div> <div class="hide-in-front">Enabled In-page Navigation</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div > </div> </div> </article> </article> </div> </div> </section> </div> </div> </main> <footer class="usa-footer usa-footer--medium" role="contentinfo"> <div class="grid-container usa-footer__return-to-top"> <a href="#">Return to top</a> </div> <div class="usa-footer__primary-section"> <div class="grid-container"> <div class="grid-row grid-gap "> <div class="usa-footer__logo grid-row mobile-lg:grid-col-6 desktop:grid-col-8 mobile-lg:grid-gap-2"> <div class="grid-row grid-col-12 mobile-lg:grid-gap-2"> <div class="mobile-lg:grid-col-auto"> <div class="usa-footer__logo-img-wrapper"> <img class="usa-footer__logo-img" src="/themes/custom/eeoc_uswds/logo.svg" width="82" height="82" alt="EEOC Logo, Image"> </div> </div> <div class="mobile-lg:grid-col-auto"> <h2 class="usa-footer__logo-heading">U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission</h3> </div> </div> <div class="grid-row grid-col-12"> <div class="usa-footer__contact-center"> <h3 class="mobile-lg:margin-top-0 margin-bottom-1">EEOC Headquarters</h3> <address><p>131 M Street, NE<br>Washington, DC 20507<br><a href="tel:1-800-669-6820" title="TTY Phone number">1-800-669-6820</a> (TTY)<br><a href="tel:1-844-234-5122" title="ASL Video Phone number">1-844-234-5122</a> (ASL Video Phone)</p></address> </div> </div> </div> <div class="usa-footer__connect gird-row mobile-lg:grid-col-6 desktop:grid-col-4 mobile-lg:grid-gap-2"> <div class="usa-footer__additional-info"><h3>Questions?</h3><p><a href="tel:18006694000" title="Call the EEOC with questions">Call 1-800-669-4000</a><br>For Deaf/Hard of Hearing callers:<br><a href="tel:1-800-669-6820" title="TTY Phone number">1-800-669-6820</a> (TTY)<br><a href="tel:1-844-234-5122" title="ASL Video Phone number">1-844-234-5122</a> (ASL Video Phone)<br><a href="mailto:info@eeoc.gov" title="Email the EEOC">info@eeoc.gov</a><br><br><a href="/node/129986">Find your nearest EEOC office</a></p></div> <h4 class="margin-bottom-1">Connect With Us</h4> <div class="usa-footer__contact-links mobile-lg:grid-col-12"> <div class="usa-footer__social-links grid-row grid-gap-1"> <div class="grid-col-auto"> <a class="usa-social-link instagram" href="https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USEEOC/subscriber/new" target="_blank"> <img class="usa-social-link__icon" src="/themes/custom/eeoc_uswds/assets/img/usa-icons/mail.svg" alt="Sign up for email or text updates"> </a> </div> <div class="grid-col-auto"> <a class="usa-social-link" href="https://www.facebook.com/USEEOC"> <img class="usa-social-link__icon" src="/themes/custom/eeoc_uswds/assets/img/usa-icons/facebook.svg" alt="Facebook"> </a> </div> <div class="grid-col-auto"> <a class="usa-social-link" href="https://www.twitter.com/useeoc/"> <img class="usa-social-link__icon" src="/themes/custom/eeoc_uswds/assets/img/usa-icons/x.svg" alt="Twitter"> </a> </div> <div class="grid-col-auto"> <a class="usa-social-link" href="https://www.youtube.com/user/TheEEOC"> <img class="usa-social-link__icon" src="/themes/custom/eeoc_uswds/assets/img/usa-icons/youtube.svg" alt="YouTube"> </a> </div> <div class="grid-col-auto"> <a class="usa-social-link linkedin" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/eeoc"> <img class="usa-social-link__icon" src="/themes/custom/eeoc_uswds/assets/img/social-icons/linkedin.svg" alt="Linkedin"> </a> </div> <div class="grid-col-auto"> <a class="usa-social-link instagram" href="https://www.instagram.com/useeoc"> <img class="usa-social-link__icon" src="/themes/custom/eeoc_uswds/assets/img/usa-icons/instagram.svg" alt="Instagram"> </a> </div> <div class="grid-col-auto"> <a class="usa-social-link" href="https://www.eeoc.gov/rss/newsroom"> <img class="usa-social-link__icon" src="/themes/custom/eeoc_uswds/assets/img/usa-icons/rss_feed.svg" alt="RSS"> </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="usa-footer__secondary-section"> <div class="grid-container"> <div class="region region-footer-menu"> <ul class="grid-row grid-gap add-list-reset"> <li class="mobile-lg:grid-col-4 desktop:grid-col usa-footer__primary-content"> <a href="/foia" title="Freedom of Information Act" class="usa-footer__primary-link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/26163">FOIA</a> </li> <li class="mobile-lg:grid-col-4 desktop:grid-col usa-footer__primary-content"> <a href="/privacy-policy-us-equal-employment-opportunity-commission-web-site-and-mobile-app" class="usa-footer__primary-link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/24139">Privacy Policy</a> </li> <li class="mobile-lg:grid-col-4 desktop:grid-col usa-footer__primary-content"> <a href="/disclaimer" class="usa-footer__primary-link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/24157">Disclaimer</a> </li> <li class="mobile-lg:grid-col-4 desktop:grid-col usa-footer__primary-content"> <a href="/accessibility" class="usa-footer__primary-link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/26414">Accessibility</a> </li> <li class="mobile-lg:grid-col-4 desktop:grid-col usa-footer__primary-content"> <a href="https://oig.eeoc.gov/" class="usa-footer__primary-link">Office of Inspector General</a> </li> <li class="mobile-lg:grid-col-4 desktop:grid-col usa-footer__primary-content"> <a href="/promoting-access-voting" class="usa-footer__primary-link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/134968">Promoting Access to Voting</a> </li> <li class="mobile-lg:grid-col-4 desktop:grid-col usa-footer__primary-content"> <a href="http://www.usa.gov/" class="usa-footer__primary-link">USA.gov</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </footer> </div> <script type="application/json" data-drupal-selector="drupal-settings-json">{"path":{"baseUrl":"\/","pathPrefix":"","currentPath":"node\/25279","currentPathIsAdmin":false,"isFront":false,"currentLanguage":"en"},"pluralDelimiter":"\u0003","suppressDeprecationErrors":true,"ajaxPageState":{"libraries":"eJx1kGGqAzEIhC-UrkcKrrGt1MQlun0vPX2h2UKh9I_OfIIjYilh2AbgIZZztxaJFN0HrOj81pXd8cKeyDpDs15R5cGJ2SgHrsoOs020-19xuKitqN_kdGUsn7hyEcwqa8c-PgeuQrfE_6HSblD6vqEuh02Kw_bIRZzszn2ANSbT9NoGZ9HgvhBuIdaSM3a6Ztwk4x5GVjflYPjBkw8PrvMJ85aZfphXfQK8w33k","theme":"eeoc_uswds","theme_token":null},"ajaxTrustedUrl":{"\/search":true},"data":{"extlink":{"extTarget":false,"extTargetAppendNewWindowLabel":"(opens in a new window)","extTargetNoOverride":false,"extNofollow":false,"extNoreferrer":true,"extFollowNoOverride":false,"extClass":"ext","extLabel":"(link is external)","extImgClass":false,"extSubdomains":true,"extExclude":"(\\b(https?):\\\/\\\/[A-Z0-9-.]+(\\.gov)[-A-Z0-9+\u0026@#\\\/%?=~_|!:,.;]*)","extInclude":"","extCssExclude":".usa-social-link, .addtoany_share","extCssInclude":"","extCssExplicit":"","extAlert":true,"extAlertText":"You are now leaving www.eeoc.gov. EEOC does not endorse the organizations or views represented by any non-Federal government website and takes no responsibility for, and exercises no control over, the accuracy, accessibility, copyright or trademark compliance or legality of the material contained on such sites. EEOC\u0027s information quality, privacy, security, and related guidelines do not apply to such sites.","extHideIcons":false,"mailtoClass":"0","telClass":"","mailtoLabel":"(link sends email)","telLabel":"(link is a phone number)","extUseFontAwesome":false,"extIconPlacement":"append","extFaLinkClasses":"fa fa-external-link","extFaMailtoClasses":"fa fa-envelope-o","extAdditionalLinkClasses":"","extAdditionalMailtoClasses":"","extAdditionalTelClasses":"","extFaTelClasses":"fa fa-phone","whitelistedDomains":["eeoc.gov","www.eeoc.gov","edit-www.eeoc.gov","uat-www.eeoc.gov","edit-uat-www.eeoc.gov","eeoc.kube.fayze2.com","develop.eeoc.kube.fayze2.com","qa.eeoc.kube.fayze2.com","eeoc.docksal","www.eeoc.docksal","eeoc.custhelp.com","eeocdata.org","eeoc.arkcase.com","www.research.net","www.surveymonkey.com"],"extExcludeNoreferrer":""}},"search_api_autocomplete":{"global_search":{"auto_submit":true,"min_length":2}},"user":{"uid":0,"permissionsHash":"903143c849e28a46e821db583b1b9b7f0d6e00c47e40099e8f594c43e126f718"}}</script> <script src="/sites/default/files/js/js_RIBpy6gxVxZVMTarSHnu4Jb7UQ2GAnXamgpjNQJ88CU.js?scope=footer&delta=0&language=en&theme=eeoc_uswds&include=eJx1yVEOwyAMA9AL0XIk5JJsRc0IIkHdbj9p9GPStJ_YfgGRK-or4irrrWv1wKw5OTZhizPCsJMsfu58TzAp-fiGu-gGWXYG_XLgp0upR6Q-GmS9ZjBGz3tCKwnDNeujCTvHP_4GsjNIBw"></script> <script src="https://static.addtoany.com/menu/page.js" async></script> <script src="/sites/default/files/js/js_hEMDF9PBIGZK6ppXBAhQBWVRlQbohbY8YrZXpUh73y0.js?scope=footer&delta=2&language=en&theme=eeoc_uswds&include=eJx1yVEOwyAMA9AL0XIk5JJsRc0IIkHdbj9p9GPStJ_YfgGRK-or4irrrWv1wKw5OTZhizPCsJMsfu58TzAp-fiGu-gGWXYG_XLgp0upR6Q-GmS9ZjBGz3tCKwnDNeujCTvHP_4GsjNIBw"></script> </body> </html>

CINXE.COM

EEOC Glossary for Small Businesses | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission