The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has released for public comment a draft of its Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2018-2022, the agency announced today. The draft plan can be found at Regulations.gov. Comments must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. ET on Jan. 8, 2018. This draft plan has not been approved by the commission and is still under review.
The Strategic Plan serves as a framework for the commission in achieving its mission through the strategic application of the EEOC’s law enforcement authorities, preventing employment discrimination and promoting inclusive workplaces through education and outreach, and organizational excellence.
The EEOC has been the leading federal law enforcement agency dedicated to preventing and remedying employment anti-discrimination laws and advancing equal opportunity for all in the workplace since 1965.
Every four fiscal years, Congress requires executive departments, government corporations, and independent agencies to develop and post a strategic plan on their public website. These plans direct the agency’s work and lay the foundation for the development of more detailed annual plans, budgets, and related program performance information in the future. The EEOC is currently operating under the Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2012-2016, as amended through 2018.
The three focal points listed in the proposal are:
1. Combat and prevent employment discrimination through the strategic application of EEOC’s law enforcement authorities. This includes:
a. Discriminatory employment practices are stopped and remedied, and
b. Enforcement authorities are exercised fairly, efficiently, and based on the circumstances of each charge or complaint.
2. Prevent employment discrimination and promote inclusive workplaces through education and outreach. This includes:
a. Members of the public understand the employment discrimination laws and know their rights and responsibilities under these laws, and
b. Employers, unions, and employment agencies (covered entities) prevent discrimination, effectively address EEO issues, and support more inclusive workplaces.
3. Organizational Excellence: This includes:
a. A culture of excellence, respect, and accountability, and
b. Resources align with priorities to strengthen outreach, education, enforcement and service to the public.