In 2002, the Notification and Federal Employee Antidiscrimination and Retaliation Act was signed into law, and in 2021 the Elijah E. Cummings Federal Employee Antidiscrimination Act went into effect. All Federal government employees must be trained in both Acts.
These laws provide additional protection under existing discrimination, retaliation, and whistleblower laws for federal government employees.
The laws require federal agencies to:
- Provide training on the Act to every employee every 2 years and within 90 days of hire for new employees.
- Notify employees of their rights under the Act.
- Post notices that show findings of discrimination.
- Publish data showing complaints and outcomes.
- Establish an EEO department separate from their human resources or general counsel’s office.
Additionally, federal agencies are required to pay back the Department of the Treasury for awards, judgments, and settlements involving their organization.
Transparency and accountability are at the heart of the Act and serve to strengthen existing laws.
