The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, like most federal agencies, is typically thought of as an enforcement agency, and nothing more. However, the EEOC also has a wide-ranging training program that it rolls out to various cities across the country "to help employers understand, prevent and correct discrimination in the workplace."courtesy eeoc training institute; visit www.eeoc.gov

These seminars, which fall within the aptly-named EEOC Training Institute, are typically one- or two-day affairs and involve both local practitioners and national reprsesentatives.  A full training schedule nationwide is available here.

The EEOC’s Hartford program is now set for July 7, 2008 at the Hartford Marriott Downtown.  Registration is available online.  The keynote speaker will be EEOC Commissioner Christine Griffin.

Among the topics to be covered:

  • Practical Tips on Disability Questions;
  • Caregiver Guidance;
  • Unfair Practices Related to Immigration and Citizenship;
  • Supreme Court and State Court Update;
  • Best Practices in Conducting Internal Investigations & Tips on Responding to the EEOC;
  • and a Sexual Harassment Refresher in the form of a interactive, team based game.

One of my colleagues, Joshua Hawks-Ladds, will be among the presenters.  Overall, the agenda of the program looks worthwhile.  And for those on the fence, it never hurts to hear from the people actually enforcing federal employment laws.