Which federal agency is primarily responsible for enforcing employment discrimination laws?

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is the federal agency primarily responsible for enforcing employment discrimination laws. This agency administers and enforces laws against workplace discrimination based on various protected characteristics, including race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, and genetic information. The EEOC plays a vital role in investigating discrimination complaints, mediating disputes, and litigating cases on behalf of employees.

The agency also provides guidance and resources to employers regarding compliance with anti-discrimination laws, helping to ensure a fair and equitable workplace. By handling these critical functions, the EEOC serves as a key protector of employees' rights, making it the central authority on employment discrimination issues in the United States.

In contrast, the Federal Trade Commission is primarily focused on consumer protection and antitrust laws, while the Occupational Safety and Health Administration oversees workplace safety and health regulations. The Department of Labor supports various labor standards, wage issues, and workforce regulations, but it does not specifically enforce anti-discrimination laws like the EEOC does.