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EEOC Statistics Show Marked Increase in Charges

EEOC Statistics Show Marked Increase in Charges

The EEOC’s published charge data for fiscal year 2008 shows a significant increase in charge activity.  In 2008, the EEOC received a total of 95,402 charges of unlawful employment practices.  That is the largest amount of charges recorded for any of the last ten fiscal years and a 15% increase in charge activity from last year alone.  Although allegations of race discrimination are included in 35.6% of all charges filed, the EEOC’s latest data also shows a measureable increase in charges that allege retaliation claims (34.3%).  To some extent, employers likely expected an increase in EEO charge activity during a market downturn.  But the EEOC’s statistical data is more than expected and reminds all employers of the need to carefully evaluate employment decisions given the increased chance that those decisions will draw regulatory or courtroom scrutiny.