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Federal GLOBE-Gay,Lesbian,and Bisexual Employees of the Federal Government |
Equal Opportunity Policy Statement
May 2001
The U.S. Department of Transportation has a vital mission to accomplish for the Nation - one that cannot be accomplished without the talent, dedication and skill of the men and women who carry out our work. Each of us who works at the Department bears two fundamental obligations: first, to do our own jobs to the best of our ability and, equally important, to ensure that our coworkers and those we supervise are given the respectful, supportive environment that allows them to do theirs.
Our commitment to equal employment opportunity is the cornerstone of that effort. When any employee or job applicant is denied equal opportunity on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, disability, or sexual orientation, the work of this Department suffers. Opportunities for the achievement are lost, and the ability of employees to reach their full potential is jeopardized.
It is our strict obligation to eliminate all barriers to equal opportunity for employees of the Department's workforce, applicants for employment, and for beneficiaries of the Department's programs, services, and activities.
President Bush has emphasized that our goal must be that of a welcoming society - a Nation where no one is dismissed or forgotten. That is our mandate at the Department, as well. I ask that each of us, as employees and as managers, join in the work of building a Department in which everyone, our colleagues and our customers, are given the equal opportunity to succeed and contribute.
DIVERSITY POLICY STATEMENT
America is a rich blend of people with different backgrounds who have all contributed greatly to the strength and success of out Nation. And like our Nation, the American work force is becoming more and more diverse. As President Clinton said in this year's State of the Union address, "We must work together, learn together, live together, serve together." Here at the Department of Transportation (DOT) we must do the some in order to attract and maintain a highly competent, diverse work force that meets America's transportation needs well into the 21st century.
As Secretary of Transportation, I am fully committed to embracing and managing the diversity of our work force. We have made great progress on the diversity front and for that I thank each and every one of you. But more is required. We must continue to create a positive work environment that allows all employees to maximize their potential and fully con-tribute to mission accomplishment. We must continue to embrace the rich perspectives that all individuals bring to the DOT workplace. I want the best and most productive department in Government. When people feel good about their jobs, enjoy coming to work and believe they are treated fairly, they are more productive.
Diversity works. It makes good business sense, and it adds to the bottom line. It must start with a commitment from the top--you have that from me and from all of my senior managers. At the end of the day, our managers must lead the way. They must meet the standard and raise it every day and every way. And they must not rest until DOT looks and performs like America's work force. Now it does not happen overnight--it is a step by step process that requires our full commitment and continued vigilance. I recently signed a Departmental Order which outlines our approach and I want to engage all employees in this effort,
We must understand, value, and manage diversity because it makes good "people –sense. People are our most valuable internal asset and everything this Department does is "for and about people." I believe good "people" sense is good business sense.
As we seek to become a DOT that is vigilant and visionary we must recognize the valued contributions that a diverse work force brings. I am counting on you to join me in making this Department the leader in managing diversity. Our best days are yet to come.
As Secretary, let me affirm that it is the policy of this Department that no one be denied opportunities because of his or her race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability or sexual orientation.
My commitment extends far beyond simply reducing or preventing discrimination. We have an obligation to do more. I will aggressively promote equal employment opportunity for all persons in our workplace to fully include minorities, women, individuals of different sexual orientations, the disabled, and older Americans at all levels of the organization and to remove any real or artificial barriers that may limit opportunities.
Every effort will be made to ensure that this commitment is thorughly understood, rigorously followed and recognized as an integral part of every program of thid Depsrtment. By our aggressive and affirmatieve implementation of this policy, we keep faith with the citizens of this Nation. Our citizens have not only entrusted us with the transportation issues of the Nation, but also with the ideals and liberties that are the cornerstones of America.