Subject:     A Message from Librarian James H. Billington

I am personally committed to achieving and ensuring a workplace free of discriminatory treatment and harrassment on the basis of race, sex, ethnicity, color, religion, age, disability, or any other non-merit-based factor, including sexual orientation. There is no place in our work environment for discriminatory actions of any kind. Although sexual orientation is not a protected category under Federal law and, therefore, cannot be afforded the same remedial actions as those covered by Lbrary Regulations governing complaints of discrimination, it is Library policy that all staff members have the right to be treated impartially and fairly in matters affecting their employment with the Library. I expect every manager to ensure that personnel decisions are made on the basis of job-related criteria, and those alone.

The Library policy and practice regarding the protections and rights of its staff regarding their sexual orientation in relation to their employment in the Library will be specifically dealt with in the 1995 Multi-Year Affirmative Action Plan. Staff members who believe they have been the victims of unfair or ineqitable treatment on the basis of sexual orientation should contact their supervisor, Labor organization representatives, the Employee Assistance Division of Human Resources, or the Dispute Resolution Center.