The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) protects individuals from discrimination in the workplace based on certain characteristics. Let's break down each situation to determine which one is protected by the EEOC:
1. Dominic was a long-time employee but was fired because he did not show up for work often.
- This situation does not fall under EEOC protection unless the reason for his frequent absences was related to a protected characteristic such as a disability covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
2. Stephanie was able to take twelve weeks of maternity leave when her second child was born.
- This situation is protected by the EEOC under the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, which prohibits discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.
3. Paula was not promoted because her boss does not think the men on the team will listen to a woman.
- This situation is protected by the EEOC under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on sex, including gender stereotypes and biases.
4. Jim uses a wheelchair for mobility and as a result can do some stocking tasks but not others.
- This situation is protected by the EEOC under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities in employment, including providing reasonable accommodations to perform essential job functions.
In conclusion, situations 2, 3, and 4 are protected by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission based on the specific laws that apply to each scenario: the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act, respectively.
