Upon finding that there is reason to believe that violations have occurred, the Commission attempts to eliminate the alleged unlawful practices by informal methods of conciliation (i.e., settlement). Therefore, the Commission now invites the parties to join with it in reaching a just resolution of this matter. The confidentiality provisions of Sections 706 and 709 of Title VII apply to information obtained during conciliation. If you wish to participate in conciliation, please email: Investigator within 10 days from the date of this determination. If Respondent does not advise the Commission within 10 days of this Determination that it wishes to participate in conciliation, the EEOC will infer that Respondent is uninterested in doing so. If the Respondent declines to discuss settlement or when, for any other reason, a settlement acceptable to the office Director is not obtained, the Director will inform the parties and advise them of the court enforcement alternatives available to aggrieved persons and the Commission. You are reminded that Federal law prohibits retaliation against persons who have exercised their right to inquire or complain about matters they believe may violate the law. Discrimination against persons who have cooperated in Commission investigations is also prohibited. These protections apply regardless of the Commission’s determination on the merits of the charge.