Enforcement Guidance on the Consideration of Arrest and Conviction Records in Employment Decisions under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII) which prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

This Enforcement Guidance from the EEOC is issued as part of the Commission's efforts to eliminate unlawful discrimination in employment screening, for hiring or retention, by entities covered by Title VII, including private employers as well as federal, state, and local governments.

The purpose of this Enforcement Guidance is to consolidate and update the EEOC's guidance documents regarding the use of arrest or conviction records in employment decisions under Title VII, as amended, 42 U.S.C. § 2000e et seq.

View the guidance