The Fair Employment Practices Commission (FEPC) is a regulatory body that ensures fairness in job hiring and employment practices. The commission was established in 1941 as a response to the widespread racial and sex discrimination that existed in the United States at the time. Since its inception, the FEPC has played a crucial role in promoting equality and fairness in the American workforce.
Teaching students about the FEPC is important because it helps them understand the history of the American workplace and the gains made over the years in promoting equal opportunity. The FEPC is also relevant today because many employers still struggle to address issues of discrimination, harassment, and unequal pay.
To teach students about the FEPC, you can start by providing historical context about why and how it came into being. You can talk about the discriminatory practices that existed before the commission was established, such as job postings that excluded people based on their race, gender, or religion. You can also provide examples of how these practices affected people’s lives, such as limited access to jobs and economic opportunities.
Once students understand the history and context of the FEPC, you can move on to discussing its role in promoting fairness in hiring and employment practices. You can explain the various laws and policies that the commission enforces, such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. You can also provide examples of how the FEPC investigates claims of discrimination and takes corrective action when necessary.
It’s also important to teach students about the impact of the FEPC and other attempts to promote equal opportunity in the workforce. You can discuss statistics that demonstrate the progress that has been made, such as increased diversity in leadership positions and reduced wage gaps between different demographic groups. You can also talk about areas where progress still needs to be made and the challenges faced in achieving these goals.
