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Simple English definitions for legal terms
equal opportunity
Read a random definition: safe-pledge
A quick definition of equal opportunity:
Equal opportunity means that everyone should have the same chances and opportunities, no matter what they look like, where they come from, or what they believe. This includes things like getting a job, going to school, finding a place to live, and getting a loan. It's against the law to treat someone unfairly because of their race, color, sex, religion, age, disability, or where they were born. If someone thinks they have been treated unfairly, they can ask for help from special organizations that make sure everyone gets a fair chance.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: Equal opportunity is a right that is supposed to be guaranteed by federal and state laws. It means that no one should be discriminated against in employment, education, housing, or credit rights because of their race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, or handicap. If someone feels they have not been given equal opportunity or have been sexually harassed or discriminated against, they can file a lawsuit or complaint with the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission or a state equal opportunity agency.
For example, if a woman is not hired for a job because of her gender, she can file a complaint with the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission. Or if a person with a disability is denied housing because of their disability, they can file a lawsuit under federal and state laws.
Another example of equal opportunity is when employers, lenders, and landlords advertise that they are "equal opportunity employers" or "equal opportunity lenders." This means that they do not discriminate against anyone based on their race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, or handicap. However, all employers, lenders, and landlords are required by law to be equal opportunity, so this term is sometimes used to suggest that other employers, lenders, and landlords are not equal opportunity.