The United States Information Agency is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and the promotion of a strong Affirmative Employment Program. It is the policy of the Agency to provide Equal Opportunity in employment for all persons in its work force and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, disability or sexual orientation. I strongly promote the fall realization of Equal Opportunity in employment through continuing programs of Affirmative Employment at every level of the Agency.

Equal Employment Opportunity principles must govern all aspects of the Agency's personnel policies, program practices and operations. All phases of employment -- recruitment, hiring, evaluation, promotion, transfer, assignment, training, benefits and separation -- shall be conducted in compliance with Equal Employment Opportunity laws and regulations.

Agency policy regarding Equal Employment Opportunity requires that every effort be made to ensure that our work force is representative of the population from which it is drawn.

Managers and supervisors will be held accountable for ensuring equal opportunity and for achieving progress towards a more representative work force at all levels. Additionally, managers and supervisors must continue to take positive steps toward ensuring a supportive work environment and reaching early resolution of complaints. They must also avoid even the appearance of acts of reprisal against employees who exercise their rights to file complaints. Accordingly, Equal Employment Opportunity will continue to be a factor in the performance evaluation of all managers and supervisors.

All employees play an important role in maintaining an environment of equal opportunity, and have a moral and legal responsibility to treat all colleagues with respect and in a professional manner. As Director of USIA, I strongly support the Agency's commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity and hold every employee accountable for the achievement of Agency Affirmative Employment objectives.

1/13/97
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