Milestones: 1987

In Johnson v. Transportation Agency, Santa Clara County, the Supreme Court explains the requirements for a lawful voluntary affirmative action plan. The Court explains that in order for an affirmative action plan to be valid, an employer must show a conspicuous under representation of minorities or women in traditionally segregated job categories and that the plan does not unnecessarily restrict the rights of male or non-minority employees, or create an absolute barrier to their advancement.

EEOC sponsors its largest single outreach effort, a six hour interactive Satellite Teleconference permitting viewers to call in their questions live to Commissioners and the General Counsel. The telecast is broadcast to 50 sites across the country with an audience of approximately 5,000 individuals. In addition to video simulations of actual charges covering race, national origin, age, and sexual harassment, there are taped messages on fair employment laws from President Ronald Reagan; Senator John Heinz, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aging; and Congressman Claude Pepper, Chairman of the House Committee on Aging.

Following EEOC's decision in the federal sector case Doviak v. Dept of Navy, the Secretary of the Navy announces a change in policy, providing that female civilian employees will be allowed to participate in sea trials on the same basis as males.

President Ronald Reagan nominates and the Senate confirms Evan J. Kemp to be a Commissioner of EEOC. He is the first person with a disability to serve on the Commission.

President Ronald Reagan appoints and the Senate confirms Joy Cherian to be an EEOC Commissioner and he is quickly confirmed by the Senate. Cherian is the first Asian American to serve on the Commission.

For the first time in agency history, virtually all investigators received comprehensive training at a conference in Dallas. The training addresses the entire investigative process from intake to determination. Approximately 800 investigators are trained.

Next: 1988