WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced June 14 that it has filed seven lawsuits against employers throughout the United States for allegations of harassment.
"As the nation has seen over the past nine months, harassment at work can affect individuals for years in their careers and livelihoods," EEOC acting chair Victoria A. Lipnic said in a statement. "There are many consequences that flow from harassment not being addressed in our nation's workplaces. These suits filed by the EEOC are a reminder that a federal enforcement action by the EEOC is potentially one of those consequences."
According to Lipnic, nearly one-fourth of the commission’s cases in the last few years have dealt with allegations of workplace harassment.
"Our challenge is to use this #MeToo moment well,” Commissioner Chai R. Feldblum said in a statement. “We have a road map given the work we have done at the EEOC. We have the attention and commitment of the range of different actors in society that we need. Together we can channel that energy to create significant and sustainable change."