WASHINGTON - The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) last year received a total of 75,768 discrimination charges against private sector employers, the first increase in charge filings since 2002, the federal agency reported today as part of its Fiscal Year 2006 data.

The year-end statistics, available online, show that charges based on race (27,238), sex (23,247), and retaliation (22,555) were the most frequent allegations, as in past years.

Other frequently cited charge bases were disability (15,625), age (13,569), national origin (8,327), and religion (2,541). All charge categories were up from 2005, with the exception of age and equal pay. Individuals may allege multiple types of discrimination in a single charge filing.

Additionally, 12,025 sexual harassment charges and a record 4,901 pregnancy discrimination charges were filed with the EEOC and with state and local Fair Employment Practices Agencies combined. A record 15 percent of sexual harassment charges were filed by men.

"These figures tell us that discrimination remains a persistent problem in the 21st century workplace," said EEOC Chair Naomi C. Earp. "The Commission continues to work closely with our stakeholders to implement new strategies to stop discrimination before it starts. We are striking a vital balance between outreach and education on one hand, and enforcement and litigation on the other."

The FY 2006 data also show that the EEOC:

"In 2006, the Commission made visible progress in advancing equal employment opportunity, yet much work remains," Chair Earp said. "Our challenge in 2007 is to make the most effective and efficient use of agency resources to foster fair and inclusive work environments for all individuals."

The EEOC enforces federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. Additional data and information are available on the agency's web site at www.eeoc.gov.