I am personally committed to achieving and ensuring a workplace that is free of discriminatory treatment and harassment on the basis of race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, color, religion, age, disability, or any other nonmerit-based factor. There is no place in our work environment for discriminatory actions of any kind. My personal commitment to diversity, equality, and nondiscrimination is long-standing and nonnegotiable.

All NASA managers and employees have a responsibility to uphold this policy. Each employee must be personally accountable for his or her performance in ensuring and promoting equal opportunity principles and in recognizing diversity as a source of strength for NASA. Moreover, managers and employees alike must work together to ensure a workplace free from any form of discrimination or sexual harassment.

Both discrimination and harassment are violations of the law as well as the policies of this Agency. If you feel you have been the victim of discrimination or harassment, there are a variety of remedies available for redress, based upon the specific facts of the particular incident. Contact your supervisor, local equal employment opportunity office, local union representative, or servicing personnel office for assistance.

To assist with compliance, the personnel, equal employment opportunity, and legal staffs will continue to educate employees about NASA's nondiscrimination policy and inform them about the various procedures available to safeguard their rights.

However, our commitment must go far beyond mere compliance with the law. I am requesting the support of all managers in welcoming responsibility for nurturing and capitalizing on the very best that every employee has to give. I am also asking all employees to understand that a diverse workplace means a better NASA.

  /s/
Daniel S. Goldin
NASA Administrator
OCT 15 1996