equal opportunity
under U.S. federal law, the principle that all individuals should have the opportunity to find employment and to succeed in their jobs regardless of race, age, color, religion, sex, disability, and national origin. The principle of equal opportunity also applies to education, health care, and social and other services, and in some states and municipalities, it has been extended to include sexual orientation. See also affirmative action; Age Discrimination in Employment Act; Americans With Disabilities Act; four-fifths rule; reverse discrimination; Uniform Guidelines for Employee Selection Procedures.