Equal Opportunity Representatives & Officers

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Equal opportunity representatives have a tall order, to help keep workplaces of all kinds respectful, equitable and free of discrimination. Equal opportunity representatives and officers make sure that workplaces maintain hiring and employment practices untainted by bias based on race, gender identity, age, sex, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, maternity, ability, and national origin. If a promising job candidate is rejected, or a well-performing employee loses a job, and suspects discrimination was the cause, a representative may launch an investigation to ensure that bias was not a factor in the decision. They may also file a report and conduct interviews to investigate in cases where a well-qualified employee is passed up for a promotion. Most Equal Opportunity Representatives start their careers with a bachelor’s degree, and then keep up-to-date on discrimination legislation and policy changes. They rely on the most current information to write grants to accommodate employees with disabilities or other special needs, and design employee trainings around appropriate behavior when interacting with coworkers of various identities. These professionals create a more just and representative workplace, where individuals can contribute to the success of their organization without fear of being punished for their identity.