U.S. Office of Personnel Management - Ensuring the Federal Government has an effective civilian workforce

IV. Administrative Grievance Procedure

Another possible area of redress for those who feel victimized by discrimination based upon sexual orientation is the agency's administrative grievance procedure.

Many agencies have their own grievance systems to resolve disputes between an employee and the agency that may not be heard elsewhere. In general, these systems try to achieve an informal resolution so that they do not have to be decided by higher levels of management. Specific procedures and time limitations vary from agency to agency.

An employee considering such a grievance must become familiar with the rules governing the particular agency's system. Employees who believe that they have been discriminated against due to sexual orientation should ask their human resource office for a copy of their agency grievance procedures to determine the subjects they cover and the procedures to follow.