Trends - Job Bias Claims Based On Disability, National Origin and Religion Increased In 2009

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ("EEOC") said Wednesday that the number of workers claiming job discrimination based on disability, religion or national origin increased to new highs last year, as federal job bias complaints overall stayed at near-record levels. According to the EEOC, charges of disability discrimination rose about 10% to 21,451 claims, the largest increase of any category. The increase coincided with changes to the Americans with Disabilities Act last year that made it easier for people with epilepsy, diabetes and other treatable conditions to say they are disabled. Overall, the EEOC received more than 93,000 discrimination claims during the 2009 fiscal year, a 2% decrease from the record set in 2008, but still the second-highest level in the commission's history. As in previous years, claims based on race, sex and retaliation were the most frequent. (See http://www.eeoc.gov/eeoc/newsroom/release/1-6-10.cfm).