Brooklyn College adheres to federal, state, and city laws and regulations, as well as City University of New York policies, regarding equal employment opportunity (EEO) and affirmative action. Federal laws that incorporate EEO components include, among others, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended in 1991, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1974, and the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Brooklyn College also complies with New York State and New York City human rights laws.

The affirmative action laws governing the City University of New York and Brooklyn College, include Executive Order 11246, as amended, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Section 402 of the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Act of 1974.

The affirmative action policies and practices of Brooklyn College are part of CUNY's goal to provide equal employment opportunity and prevent discrimination. Such policies and practices of Brooklyn College apply to persons in federally protected groups, including women, people with disabilities, Vietnam Era veterans, Blacks, Hispanics, Asian/Pacific Islanders, and American Indian/Alaskan Natives. In addition, CUNY and Brooklyn College have designated Italian Americans as a protected group for whom these policies apply.