OVERSIGHT HEARINGS ON FEDERAL ENFORCEMENT OF EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY LAWS

Part 1

THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 1975

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,

SUBCOMMITTEE ON EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

OF THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND LABOR,

Washington, D.C.

The subcommittee met at 9:30 a.m., pursuant to notice, in room 2175, Rayburn House Office Building, Hon. Augustus F. Hawkins (chairman) presiding.

Members present: Representatives Hawkins, Mink, Clay, and Buchanan.

Also present: Susan Grayson, staff director: William Higgs, legislative assistant; Richard Mosse, assistant minority counsel; and Carole Schanzer, clerk.

Mr. HAWKINS. The Subcommittee on Equal Opportunities is called. to order.

The chairman will read an opening statement since this is the beginning of the subcommittee's discharge of its responsibilities for oversight.

The Federal Government has the obligation, both moral and legal, to assure all its citizens equal employment opportunities, regardless of race, sex, color, religion, or national origin. Federal laws and regulations have been on the books since 1961, with issuance by President Kennedy of Executive Order 10925; and since 1965, through enactment of title VII of the Civil Rights Act.

Yet, in more than a decade since formal action on equal employment has been taken by the Federal Government, millions of citizens, minorities and women, are still not enjoying the full and equal access to employment which is their right.

A sample of key industries covering more than 3 million workers shows that women and minorities represent less than 7 percent of management positions. In professional positions, women constitute less than 14 percent of the work force; minorities, less than 8 percent. The Subcommittee on Equal Opportunities has undertaken a comprehensive review of Federal enforcement of equal employment opportunity laws and regulations. This morning we will begin our oversight investigation by reviewing the Department of Labor's policies, particularly with respect to its enforcement of Executive Orders 11246 and 11375, prohibiting discrimination by Federal contractors on the basis of race, sex, national origin, creed, or color.

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