What does EEO AA employer mean?
Robert Miller
Updated on February 10, 2026
Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action
EEO/AA (Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action) affects companies with 15 or more employees, and any company that does business with the federal government or receives federal funds.
Which are the organizations that are required to comply with the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972?
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
- Overview. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) enforces federal laws prohibiting workplace discrimination.
- Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972.
- McDonnell Douglas Corp.
- Anti-Discrimination Statutes.
- Civil Suits.
- Further Reading.
Who is exempt from EEO?
You cannot discriminate against or harass applicants, employees or former employees because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information (including family medical history).
What is the importance of having an organization like the EEOC?
The EEOC is not just an investigative body. It can be important to your business because it offers educational materials and even training in how to comply with federal labor laws. This allows you to be proactive in creating a workplace where equality of opportunity prevails.
Who does EEO apply to?
EEO refers to the idea that all people have the right to receive fair treatment in the workplace, as well as other areas of public life. This applies regardless of where someone comes from, their gender, their religion and so on.
What does AA HR mean?
Affirmative action is a policy or practice set forth by an employer that aims to counter the effects of past and present discrimination in the employment context.
What are the two main types of harassment?
According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), there are two types of sexual harassment claims: “quid pro quo” and “hostile work environment.” The EEOC provides guidance on defining sexual harassment and establishing employer liability.
Can private employers discriminate?
However, certain private employers are covered by applicable federal law governing equal employment opportunity. Employers can’t discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, ancestry, age (40 to 69), or disability.
What is the difference between EEO and AA?
In all hiring situations, EEO principles should be applied to every vacancy being filled. Remember, while there is a difference between EEO and AA, they do have one thing in common: they are both about fairness !
What’s the difference between affirmative action and EEO?
Affirmative Action is usually implemented as a voluntary goal oriented program. In all hiring situations, EEO principles should be applied to every vacancy being filled. Remember, while there is a difference between EEO and AA, they do have one thing in common: they are both about fairness !
What are the principles of equal employment opportunity?
But how many of us truly understand the principles of EEO and AA and why they exist. Perhaps there are those who think that EEO and AA mean the same. Equal Employment Opportunity prohibits discrimination against anyone.