Memorandum

Date:	March 7, 1994
To:	All GAO Employees
FROM:	Assistant Comptroller General for Operations James L. Howard  /s/ JLH
SUBJECT:	Diversity Policy Statement

Attached is a diversity policy statement issued by the Comptroller General which reflects GAO's commitment to creating and maintaining a diverse workforce. The statement recognizes the importance of a diverse workforce to the successful completion of GAO's mission and to maintaining a work environment that satisfies all employees.

It is important to note that achieving the goals set forth in this statement will require the involvement of all staff throughout the organization. We hope to accomplish these goals through continuing efforts to increase the diversity of the GAO workforce, providing staff the support they need to develop to their full potential, and by incorporating workforce diversity principles and approaches in our training curriculum.

I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the efforts of the Workforce Diversity Advisory Group which was assembled to research diversity issues and identify a course of action for GAO to pursue.

Attachment

Comptroller General
of the United States

Washington, D.C. 20548

March 7, 1994

TO: ALL GAO EMPLOYEES

GAO is committed to creating and maintaining a diverse workforce that enables the agency to meet present as well as future challenges. To be a successful, highly productive organization in a rapidly changing environment, we must involve the talent, energy, and dedication of all employees, at all levels within the organization. Respect and dignity for all individuals and the variety of interests, backgrounds, and personal attributes they bring to the organization both enriches and broadens our work perspective.

Valuing diversity means making full use of the advantages individual differences among our staff provide to the successful completion of our mission and to the quality of worklife afforded our employees. Individual differences may be related to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, physical capabilities, nationality, education, experience, and other attributes. Appreciating these diverse attributes stimulates and reinforces creative thinking, problem solving, and innovation.

All employees within the organization share responsibility for creating and fostering an environment of diversity--one that makes each individual feel welcome and interested in participating, especially in areas where decisions are made that shape the organization. In conducting our work and delivering our services as well as in our daily communication, policies and practices, we must guarantee the inclusion, and participation of all GAO staff.

  /s/ CAB
Comptroller General
of the United States