U.S. Civil Rights laws prohibit discrimination in employment on the basis of race color, sex, religion, national origin, age, and disability. I am personally committed to upholding such laws and to ensuring equal opportunity in all facets of employment at the National Science Foundation. No employee will be subjected to discrimination including discrimination based on employee conduct that does not adversely affect work performance, such as social affiliations or sexual orientation.

The Foundation has developed an affirmative employment plan with goals and objectives for increasing the participation of underrepresented minorities, women, and persons with disabilities in its workforce. The goals and objectives of this plan will be achieved only through the personal involvement of every executive, manager and supervisor at the Foundation.

All Foundation employees are expected to adhere to the principles of equal opportunity. Executives, managers and supervisors are personally accountable for ensuring that equal opportunity is practiced aggressively in their areas of responsibility and will be evaluated on their performance in promoting equal opportunity in all areas of employment.

Although managers must lead the way in demonstrating their support of equal employment opportunity, all employees must participate in making equal opportunity a reality throughout the Foundation. All of us must work to achieve a workplace environment that is free of discrimination one in which the diversity of our Nation's cultures and beliefs is viewed as a positive strength to be appreciated and fully utilized.

I invite all staff to join me in making the Foundation a leader in equal opportunity and in the appreciation of our diversity.