United States Department of Agriculture

Research, Education, and Economics

Agricultural Research Service

August 23, 2005

SUBJECT:  Diversity in the MSA Workforce

           TO:  MSA All

     FROM:  Edgar G. King

                   Area Director

The Mid South Area proportionally employs more minorities and women than any of the other seven ARS Areas.  One-fifth of our employee population is minority and women.  Productivity is positively correlated with diversity and provides an environment conducive to new ideas and originality.  We believe that maintaining a diverse workforce is not only the right thing to do, it is the smart thing to do. 

The Mid South Area Office and I, specifically, are committed to employing a diverse workforce. We are also committed to providing a work environment free from all discrimination established by federal law, including sexual harassment and discrimination because of an individual’s race, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, medical condition, mental and/or physical disabilities.  Workforce Diversity goes beyond this legal requirement in that it is a commitment to understanding and accepting that each individual is unique, recognizing, respecting and learning from individual similarities and differences.  This is of particular significance within ARS where we have significant functional diversity derived from varied educational backgrounds and professional disciplines. Our diversity and strength come from how an individual thinks, learns, processes information, and relates to diverse groups.

The Mid South Area Office organized and sponsors the Mid South Area Workforce Diversity Committee.  This committee is co-chaired by Dr. Deepak Bhatnagar and Ms. Betty Shepherd and provides guidance to the Area Office on issues relating to Workforce Diversity, particularly with a view to further diversification of our workforce.

Please provide this memorandum to all employees of the Mid South Area and prominently display it in all location administrative offices.