According to a press release issued by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), private sector discrimination charges rose 9% from 75,768 in 2006 to 82,792 in 2007. This represents the largest annual increase in charges filed in 15 years. The EEOC's statistics also show that it recovered $345 million in monetary relief. These charges resulted in 336 lawsuits being filed with 116 involving multiple claimants and/or employees affected by discriminatory policies. Considering the drastic increase in charges filed, employers are well advised to stay ever vigilant in the drafting, implementing and enforcement of workplace policies and procedures. Below is a brief summary of the major categories as reported by the EEOC.
| Basis of Charge Filing |
FY 2007 |
FY 2006 |
Percentage Increase/Historical Comparison |
| RACE |
30,510 |
27,238 |
Up 12% to highest level since FY 1994 |
| RETALIATION |
26,663 |
22,555 |
Up 18% to record high level, double since FY 1992 |
| SEX/GENDER |
24,826 |
23,247 |
Up 7% to highest level since FY 2002 |
| AGE |
19,103 |
16,548 |
Up 15%, largest annual increase since FY 2002 |
| DISABILITY |
17,734 |
15,575 |
Up 14% to highest level since FY 1998 |
| NATIONAL ORIGIN |
9,369 |
8,327 |
Up 12%, above 9,000 for second time ever |
| RELIGION |
2,880 |
2,541 |
Up 13% to record high level, double since FY 1992 |
| TOTAL CHARGES |
82,792 |
75,768 |
Up 9%, largest annual increase since FY 1993 |
Source: http://www.eeoc.gov/press/3-5-08.html