Milestones: 1983

The Supreme Court in EEOC v. Wyoming upholds the constitutionality of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act as it applies to state and local governments. The Court rules that state and local governments -- one of the fastest growing employment sectors -- cannot discriminate against employees and job applicants on the basis of their age.

The Commission through its litigation activities obtains more than $40 million for victims, the highest monetary recovery in the agency's history. As part of a field reorganization, EEOC closes the Dayton, Ohio area office because of low charge receipts and overall low workload.

The Commission votes to change how it investigates charges of discrimination filed with the agency. The Commission states it intends to move away from the rapid charge philosophy with its emphasis on securing quick settlements to a full investigation approach. The Commission declares that more attention to individual claims of discrimination needs to occupy priority standing for a civil rights enforcement agency. Thereafter, EEOC begins to fully investigate every charge of discrimination filed with the agency. If the Commission determines a violation of law, during conciliation it will insist on full relief for the victims. Further, if the agency determines that there is reasonable cause to credit the charge and EEOC is unable to secure full relief for the victims, it is presumed that EEOC will bring an enforcement lawsuit. As part of the agency's new approach, the Commission reviews all conciliation failures and votes on whether to file suit.

Next: 1984