Bending Toward Justice: 60 Years of Civil Rights Laws Protecting Workers in America

For 60 years, civil rights laws have shaped workplace protections, ensuring equal opportunity for all employees in the U.S. From prohibiting discrimination based on race, gender, and disability to expanding protections for pregnancy and LGBTQ+ individuals, the EEOC has played a vital role in enforcing these laws. This report traces the evolution of employment rights, highlighting key legal milestones and the ongoing fight against workplace discrimination and retaliation. As workplace dynamics continue to change, these protections remain critical in advancing equity and inclusion for all workers.