LITTLE ROCK, AR - The Memphis District Office of the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Consulate of Mexico in Little Rock.

The agreement establishes an ongoing collaborative relationship between these two entities to provide Mexican nationals regardless of legal status with information, guidance, and access to resources on the prevention of discrimination in the workplace.

Edgardo Briones Velazquez, Consul Ad Interim of the Mexican Consulate and Katharine W. Kores, Director of the Memphis District Office of the EEOC signed the agreement.

The Mexican Consulate in Little Rock provides services to preserve the rights of Mexican Nationals residing in Arkansas, Tennessee, and Oklahoma. The Memphis District Office of the EEOC enforces federal employment discrimination laws and has jurisdiction over Arkansas, Tennessee and the northernmost 17 counties in Mississippi.

"This agreement is an important part of the Commission’s commitment to ensure that workers are aware of their rights to be free from discrimination in the workplace. We are looking forward to a long and productive working relationship with the Mexican Consulate," said Director Kores.

The Little Rock Area Office of the EEOC and the Mexican Consulate have worked together on outreach programs including providing information to Mexican Nationals at the local consulate and participating in an informational program on a local Spanish language radio station.

Under the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding, the Commission will expand its cooperation with the Mexican Consulate. The Commission will provide to the consulate Spanish language materials explaining the laws enforced by the EEOC. The Commission also will provide representatives to meet with Mexican Nationals in Arkansas and Tennessee to provide information and counseling regarding employment discrimination. ...