4-1673

gift

APR 1973

FOREWORD

The Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972 marked the cul mination of a 30 - year effort to provide the Federal Government with the authority needed to bring an end to employment discrimination in our society . The first step in this effort was the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title II of that act created the Equal Employ ment Opportunity Commission which was charged with ending un lawful employment practices based on race , color , religion , sex , or national origin . However , under title VII the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission was made a conciliation agency with enforce ment of employment discrimination cases given on a limited basis to the Department of Justice or left to private individuals .

The experience of 7 years under title VII reflected its serious defect in the lack of enforcement authority . For more than 6 years efforts were made in the Congress to give EEOC the needed enforcement powers . In each succeeding Congress after 1964 bills were introduced but in the face of strong opposition there was never successful enactment .

The passage of this act in this Congress will give new hope to mil lions of Americans who have been the victims of discrimination . Pas sage came only after a long struggle involving extended debate in the Senate for several months . The bill that was finally enacted represents in some respects a compromise

from the original proposals . However the final product provides the Equal Employment Opportunity Com mission , and the Civil Service Commission with respect to Federal employees , the tools needed to implement an effective enforcement program to secure equal employment opportunity for all our citizens .

Enforcement of this law will undoubtedly raise many questions regarding the congressional intent behind its various provisions . To aid those who will

be responsible for such enforcement , and the public to which the law's requirements and protection will apply , I have asked the committee staff to compile this legislative history , with the assistance of Mr. George Sape of the Equal Employment Opportu nity Commission . This compilation will be of considerable benefit also to the Congress and , particularly , to the members of the Committee on Labor and Public Welfare , in their continuing legislative review of this act's administration .

HARRISON A. WILLIAMS , Jr. ,

Chairman .

( III )