Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) is closely related to discrimination law and is designed to ensure staff are employed fairly and free from prejudice. For example, it is inconsistent with equal opportunity principles and discrimination law to deny someone a role on the basis of their age, gender or sexual orientation.
Although there are some exemptions to discrimination law, for example genuine occupational requirements, it is always recommended to seek advice. Whilst some clear cut exemptions in employment do exist, such as the requirement for someone of a particular sex to work in a particular working environment (i.e. a female to be employed in a female only shelter) other areas such as disability discrimination can be fraught with greater difficulty. EEO claims can turn on moves you may consider innocent, such as job advertisements or during recruitment. If you are concerned, always seek advice!