The United States Department of Labor recently announced two new policy directives for federal contractors. The directives focus on ensuring equal employment opportunity (EEO) and protecting Americans’ religious freedom.
EEO Directive. Federal contractors must ensure equal employment opportunity in their employment processes. The directive suggests more detailed reviews of federal contractors' compliance with anti-discrimination laws. The DOL will be adding focused reviews to its compliance activities.
Religious Freedom Directive. Federal contractors must not discriminate on the basis of color, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. Recent court decisions have recognized the freedoms and anti-discrimination protections that must be given to religion-exercising organizations and individuals under federal laws.
The two directives, which can be accessed by clicking here, suggest that heightened review of federal contractors’ compliance with discrimination and religious freedom rules will be forthcoming.