EEOC TO EXAMINE EMPLOYMENT TESTING AND SCREENING AT COMMISSION MEETING WEDNESDAY

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) will hold a public Commission Meeting on how agency-enforced laws apply to employment testing and screening on Wednesday, May 16, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (Eastern Time), at agency headquarters, 1801 L Street, N.W. (Ninth Floor, Commission Meeting Room).

During the meeting, the Commission will hear from invited expert panelists, including EEOC attorneys and charging parties, advocates on behalf of employers and employees, and two nationally-recognized organizational psychologists. The panelists will share their experiences and perspectives on employment testing and screening, and answer questions from commissioners.

The meeting comes amid increased employment testing as employers seek lawful and efficient ways to screen large numbers of applicants.  Topics of discussion will include written tests that evaluate knowledge and skills, criminal and credit histories as a basis for selection, medical exclusions in hiring, and employer best practices.  Discriminatory employment tests and selection procedures are prohibited by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act -- which are all enforced by the EEOC. 

The EEOC enforces federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. Additional information about the EEOC is available on its web site at www.eeoc.gov.

NOTE TO NEWS MEDIA: Any matter not discussed or concluded may be carried over to a later meeting.  The Commission agenda is subject to revision.  You may call (202) 663-7100 (voice) or (202) 663-4074 (TTY) on the day of the Commission Meeting to confirm the above schedule.