Age discrimination laws have been enacted to protect citizens of all ages from discrimination based on their age. The Age Discrimination Act of 1975 protects people from discrimination in federally supported programs and activities. There are many exceptions to this Act, the most obvious being in the field of education. Children of school age can be required to attend school and it is not considered discrimination. In addition, the Age Discrimination Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA), protects workers 40 years old and older from workplace discrimination in such areas as hiring, firing, promotions, benefits, pensions, and more. Anyone who thinks they have faced such discrimination can file a claim with their local agency or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Most cases are settled through mediationﾗapproximately 80%. The employee may also take the case to civil court with the help of a lawyer; however, such cases are very difficult to prove.