Powell discusses the history of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), beginning with the 1964 Civil Rights Act. The act did not give enforcement authority to the EEOC, which is a major problem that has left the commission powerless in many cases. The 1972 amendment to the Civil Rights Act gave the EEOC more direct authority and, according to Powell, has led many formerly defiant business owners to cooperate. Powell concludes by reflecting on the progress made in recent years, while arguing that job discrimination remains a serious problem.