Which U.S. agency is tasked with enforcing federal laws regarding civil rights?

The agency responsible for enforcing federal laws related to civil rights is the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The EEOC was established to ensure that all individuals have equal opportunity in employment and to address issues of discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and age. It investigates claims of discrimination, facilitates mediation, and can take legal action against violators of civil rights laws in the workplace.

While the Department of Justice (DOJ) and its Civil Rights Division also play significant roles in civil rights enforcement, particularly in broader areas such as voting rights and police practices, the EEOC is specifically tasked with handling employment discrimination cases. This focused mandate makes it the primary agency for addressing workplace-related civil rights issues. The FBI, while it does undertake specific investigations related to civil rights violations, primarily focuses on criminal matters rather than the enforcement of civil rights laws in the employment sector.