VII through conciliation and negotiation. In addition, the EEOC was designated to provide technical assistance to organizations covered by Title VII. Originally EEOC had limited powers. For instance, the EEOC could not directly bring lawsuits to enforce Title VII. Lawsuits had to be initiated by the complaining party or by the U.S. Department of Justice. The Equal Employment Act of 1972 expanded coverage of Title VII, brought public sector employees and agencies under jurisdiction of Title VII, and increased the enforcement powers of the EEOC. As a result, the EEOC has the power to amend Title VII, to issue guidelines that prohibit discriminatory practices in employment, and to bring civil suits in federal district court to enforce the statute. Since 1979, the EEOC also enforces guidelines established by the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) of 1963 to develop means for using and repositioning the maturing work force. In brief, the EEOC provides the impetus for achieving parity in the work place. The EEOC strategy to accomplish this g
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