The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission stands for the principle that diversity is a major strength of the American workplace. Our mission also is grounded on the understanding that an individual should be judged based on merit and quality, and that no one should be denied opportunities based on prejudgments, stereotypes, and ignorance. The civil rights laws promulgated by the moral leaders of the 1960's - and the laws that continue to be pursued by the moral leaders of the 1990's -- celebrate our diversity and our commitment to the recognition of an individual's true quality.

I want to emphasize my commitment to maintaining a professional workplace in which individual differences are accorded respect. This includes ensuring that EEOC employees will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation or other improper bases. Accordingly, I also am committed to maintaining an environment free of harassment, including verbal or physical conduct that creates an intimidating or hostile environment for an individual because of a prohibited basis.

You are all familiar with the laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, and disability, and your right to seek redress through the EEOC's EEO process or other grievance procedures. You may not be aware that an OPM Directive issued May 12, 1980, stated that, "applicants and employees are to be protected against inquiries into, or actions based upon, non-job-related conduct, such as religious, community, or social affiliations, or sexual orientation" (emphasis added). According to the OPM Directive and EEOC Order 501.004 (dated 4/14/92), any employee who believes that he/she has been subjected to unlawful discrimination based on a non-job-related characteristic or conduct may file a complaint with the Office of Special Counsel, the Merit Systems Protection Board, and/or through appropriate grievance procedures, depending on the circumstances.

EEOC strives to promote an American workplace that nurtures quality, fairness, and ethical conduct. I will expect supervisors and managers to lead the way in implementing our own EEO policy. I also know that I can count on our workforce to celebrate diversity, value the differences and cultures of others, and abide by these fundamental principles.

  /s/
Gilbert F. Casellas
Chairman