Who handles harassment complaints under the Civil Rights Act?

• A. Internal auditor
• B. Local police
• C. Media
• D. EEOC

Answer: (D)

The enforcement of federal workplace civil rights laws is handled by the EEOC. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission investigates and resolves harassment complaints filed under the Civil Rights Act, covering protections such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, and genetic information. When someone experiences harassment at work, they file a charge with the EEOC. The agency will assess the claim, may investigate, and often pursues resolution through mediation or conciliation; if needed, the EEOC can sue or issue a right-to-sue letter so the individual can pursue a private lawsuit. This is a civil process, not criminal, so local police aren’t the proper body for these complaints, and internal auditors or the media don’t handle enforcement in this context. State or local agencies may handle parallel processes, with the EEOC coordinating as appropriate.