Short for Equal Opportunity Employer statement, an EOE statement (also known as Equal Employment Opportunity statement, or EEO statement) is an employer’s declaration, often included in job postings, company policies, or HR communications, which affirms the employer’s commitment to not discriminate against employees or job applicants based on factors such as race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, genetic information, or pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Why an EOE Statement Matters

The EOE statement, under OFCCP’s regulations implementing Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act covering individuals with disabilities, and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) covering protected veterans, all solicitations for employees (including job postings and job listings) need to include an equal opportunity statement. Dating back to a time when employers paid for job advertisements by the word or character in print newspapers, an abbreviated version of the equal opportunity statement became known as a “tagline.” Although Executive Order 14173 (January 21, 2025) rescinded Executive Order 11246, we would consider it a best practice to leave in characteristics protected under the rescinded Order because they also are protected under Title VII.

NOTE: Federal contractors should confirm if other applicable state, local, city, or county regulations require additional protected classes to be identified in job advertisements or job listings. Most state fair employment or nondiscrimination laws require employers to identify the protected categories in policy statements, handbooks, and manuals but do not regulate statement abbreviations in advertisements.

Key Components

An EOE statement (or EEO statement) typically includes several key components. While the specific wording may vary, depending on regional legal requirements and company policies, it usually includes:

1. Affirmative Statement: The statement begins with a clear affirmation that the employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Common phrases include:
   • “We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.”
   • “ABC Company is an equal opportunity employer.”
2. Non-Discrimination Policy: This part explicitly states that the employer does not discriminate against employees or job applicants based on specific protected categories. These categories typically include:
   • Race
   • Color
   • Religion
   • Sex
   • Sexual Orientation
   • Gender Identity
   • National origin
   • Age
   • Disability
   • Genetic information
   • Veteran status
   • Preganancy
3. Example: “We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, genetic information, or pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected by law.”
4. Inclusive Language: The statement may use inclusive language to encompass all individuals, regardless of their background or identity.
5. Compliance with Laws: Often, the statement will mention compliance with applicable laws and regulations related to equal employment opportunity.
6. Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: The statement addresses the employer’s willingness to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities or religious practices.
7. Contact Information for Reporting Discrimination: In some cases, the statement may provide information on how employees or applicants can report discrimination or harassment related to employment practices.

EOE Statement Example

Here’s an example of how an EOE statement might be structured:

“ABC Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, genetic information, or pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected by law. Our policy of equal employment opportunity applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. We are committed to fostering a fair and merit-based workplace where every employee feels valued and respected.”

The specific wording and details may vary depending on the organization’s policies and state and local legal requirements.