What is the main purpose of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967?

The main purpose of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 is to prohibit age discrimination in employment against individuals who are 40 years of age or older. This means that it is illegal for employers to discriminate against a qualified older worker based on their age in various aspects of employment, including hiring, promotions, job assignments, and training. The law aims to protect older employees from being treated unfairly due to stereotypes or assumptions about their capabilities based solely on their age.

While the law does allow for some limited situations where age may be relevant, such as when it directly relates to job performance or is a bona fide occupational qualification, the core principle is to ensure that age alone does not hinder older workers' ability to compete in the workforce. This protection encourages a more age-diverse workforce and promotes fair treatment, ultimately contributing to equity in employment opportunities irrespective of age.