Equal Employment Opportunity

An Equal Employment Opportunity policy commits your organization to fair, non-discriminatory employment practices, sets clear expectations against harassment and retaliation, and explains how employees can report concerns, with protected categories and requirements tailored to applicable federal, state, and local law.

How to Write an Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

• Introduce why equal opportunity is important for all your employees.
• State your organization provides equal employment opportunity and prohibits discrimination.
• List the protected characteristics covered under applicable federal, state, and local law.
• Explain the commitment applies to all employment decisions and terms and conditions of employment.
• Commit to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals.
• Prohibit harassment, discrimination, and retaliation, and state violations may result in discipline.
• Explain how employees can report concerns and that complaints will be taken seriously and investigated.
• Clarify the policy does not restrict legally protected communications or actions.

For advice on writing an Equal Employment Opportunity policy in a specific jurisdiction, see below.