This monograph reviews the current status of constitutional, statutory, and case law governing public employers' obligations to assure equal employment opportunities and employees' rights to nondiscriminatory treatment. An initial overview of the legal framework discusses federal equal protection mandates including the guarantee of equal protection of the laws under the Fourteenth Amendment, the due process clause of the Fifth Amendment, and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Judicial criteria used to assess claims of employment discrimination are described. Subsequent sections summarize major judicial decisions interpreting these provisions in cases alleging employment discrimination based on race, sex, national origin, religion, handicap, or age. Topics of racial discrimination law addressed in detail are hiring and promotion practices, staff reductions, affirmative action, and reverse discrimination. Major concerns of the sex discrimination discussion are conditions of employment, pregnancy-related policies, compensation, retirement benefits, and sexual harassment. An additional chapter covers suit for compensatory and punitive damages for employment discrimination under 42 U.S.C., section 1983. Guidelines to help public employers reduce discrimination in employment decisions and avoid liability are provided in the conclusion. References are thoroughly documented. (MJL)