In February 2007, Kathy Gurchiek, an associate editor for HR News, shared trends in discrimination charges as reported by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

Here are some of the findings:

Gurchiek’s report quoted the EEOC Chair, Naomi C. Earp, as stating in a press release: “These figures tell us that discrimination remains a persistent problem in the 21st Century workforce.” And, according to Nick Inezo, Director of the Office of Field Programs for the EEOC, “The number of job bias charges filed may indicate that workers are more aware of their workplace rights, not that they are more litigious.”

At PSU, our workforce continues to be more educated and knowledgeable. The issues around respectful interactions regardless of one's race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, religion and other areas are increasingly important aspects of our work environment and overall employee satisfaction. If you wish to educate your workforce, PSU's Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Office provides training to reduce the incidence of workforce discrimination complaints. When concerns do arise they also provide complaint resolution assistance. For more information, go to www.afm.pdx.edu, or call extension 5-4417.