Equal employment opportunity refers legislation designed to provide an employment environment in which both job applicants and present employees are free from discrimination in their pursuit of employment opportunities.
Equal employment legislation prohibits choices made on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, or national origin. It is unlawful for an employer to do either of the following:
— To fail or refuse to hire or to discharge an individual because of race, color, religion, sex, age, or national origin.
— To limit, segregate, or classify employees for employment in any way that would deprive the individual of employment opportunities because of race, color, religion, sex, age, or national origin.
The impact of most equal legislation is on the recruitment and selection of new employees and on promotion, compensation, training, and discharge of present employees.