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Federal GLOBE-Gay,Lesbian,and Bisexual Employees of the Federal Government |
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THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR WASHINGTON EOD-2001-17 August 24, 2001
I want to emphasize to all employees of the Department that I am firmly committed to a policy that ensures that any type of discrimination or harassment based on race, religion, age, national origin, color, sex, sexual orientation, or disability will not be tolerated in the Department. If we are going to have a productive and satisfied workforce, we must not tolerate these forms of discrimination. All employees in the Department have a responsibility to carry out the Department's policy on equal opportunity and to promote it through exemplary conduct and sensitivity for the rights of fellow employees and the public that we serve. Executives, managers and supervisors particularly will be held responsible and accountable for promoting and ensuring equal opportunity in the Department's policies, programs and practices. I charge them with the responsibility to respond to complaints swiftly and to take appropriate steps to address improper and illegal behavior through appropriate disciplinary or administrative action. America is a stronger nation because of the diversity of its people. It is the many different views and perspectives held by these diverse groups that bring creativity and innovation to our nation and our Department. Although we have a wonderfully diverse workforce, I am personally committed to see that diversity continues--and increases. I want the Department to have the most highly qualified and diverse workforce in Government. If we are to achieve diversity at all levels, managers and supervisors must ensure equal opportunity to all people when making decisions in the areas of outreach, recruitment, hiring, promotions, training and awards.
I know I can count on each of you to adhere to this policy and to assist me
in expanding opportunities for all employees of the Department and ensuring
that we work in a discrimination-free environment.
WASHINGTON FOD-1997-008 Feb 10 1997
Soon after my arrival, I expressed my personal commitment to promote diversity and eliminate discrimination in the workplace. As part of this commitment, I also stressed that sexual harassment would not be tolerated. I am equally committed to a policy that ensures that any type of harassment based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, disability, age, or sexual orientation will not be tolerated in the Department. It is important that employees of this Department be treated with respect and professionalism and not be subject to behavior or language that is insulting, threatening, harassing, or demeaning. This type of behavior or language is unacceptable as it not only can be personally offensive or harmful but it also can inhibit an employee's ability to reach his/her full potential. Anybody engaging in such behavior or language will be subject to appropriate disciplinary or administrative action. In addition, I expect managers to respond to complaints swiftly and appropriately as they will be held accountable for taking steps to eliminate such behavior and to ensure that the work environment is one where employees are treated fairly and respectfully.
Discrimination has no place in this Department. I expect all managers and employees to abide by this policy.
WASHINGTON January 26, 1994
I want to re-emphasize my personal commitment to a goal which ensures equal opportunity for all Americans. To enhance that goal, the Equal Opportunity Policy, dated December 7, 1993, is expanded to include sexual orientation as it relates to all matters of employment.
We will not condone discrimination based on sexual orientation within this Department. We recognize the importance of selecting the best possible person for the work to be done and for providing all Americans with equal employment opportunities. All Interior employees deserve and must be given respect so that the work place is free of intimidation, fear, and other counter productive elements.
WASHINGTON December 7, 1993
As Secretary of the Interior, I want to emphasize my personal commitment to a goal that ensures equal opportunity for all Americans. Through this pledge, it will be the policy of this Department to ensure that individuals will not be denied opportunities in employment or program delivery because of their sex, race, religion, national origin, color, age, disability or any other non-merit factor. Equally important, sexual harassment, in any of its various forms, by any employee of this Department, will not be tolerated. This commitment to equal opportunity further extends to Federal civil rights laws related to programs conducted by or receiving financial assistance from the Department. All equal opportunity and civil rights laws will be strictly enforced. In order to meet this goal, it is essential that each one of us understands our personal responsibility in this area and that a system of accountability be initiated and enforced. Each employee, at every level, will be held personally accountable for her or his performance in ensuring equal opportunity and in promoting individual civil rights. All executives, managers and supervisors will be evaluated for their performance and the performance of their staffs in these important areas. Assessments of accomplishments will be used as criteria for consideration in granting awards, promotions and any further personnel opportunities. And, of course, appropriate action will be taken where discrimination and harassment are found to exist. I ask all employees of the Department to work with me to expand opportunities for all employees within the Department, to reach out to surrounding communities and educational institutions to develop interest among all segments of the population in natural resource conservation in general and Department of the Interior programs in particular, to eliminate discrimination were we find it, and to rely on diversity in building a more productive and challenging organization that will better serve our country and all of its people. Again, be assured that I am personally committed to taking whatever actions are necessary to ensure adherence to this policy.
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