What is the primary role of the EEOC?

The primary role of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is to investigate discrimination complaints. This federal agency is tasked with enforcing laws against workplace discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, and genetic information. When an individual believes they have been discriminated against, they can file a complaint with the EEOC, which then conducts an investigation to ascertain the merits of the claim. If the evidence suggests discrimination occurred, the EEOC may try to resolve the matter through mediation or pursue legal action on behalf of the complainant.

While the other options mention important aspects of workplace regulations, they do not accurately represent the core mission of the EEOC. Regulating workplace safety and enforcing health standards fall under agencies like OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration). Promoting equal pay is a goal of various laws and regulations, but it is not the EEOC's primary function; rather, it focuses on preventing discrimination in employment practices. Therefore, the correct answer aligns directly with the agency's fundamental responsibility in addressing and resolving cases of discrimination in the workplace.