Does EEO law apply to all employers regardless of size?

The correct answer highlights that Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) laws generally apply to employers with a minimum number of employees. Specifically, many federal EEO laws, such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, apply primarily to employers with 15 or more employees. This threshold is crucial because it recognizes that smaller employers may not have the same capacity or resources to comply with extensive regulations. By setting a minimal employee requirement, EEO laws aim to balance the enforcement of workplace protections with the operational realities faced by businesses of varying sizes.

In contrast, the other options suggest broader applicability without the necessary context. Not all employers are subject to these laws; thus, stating that it applies to every employer disregards the limitations established by the law itself. Similarly, claiming that only federal or state employers are subject to EEO laws fails to account for the fact that private sector employers above the specified employee threshold are also included. This nuanced understanding of applicability is essential when considering compliance and the legal responsibilities of employers.