United States Department of Agriculture

Research, Education, and Economics

Agricultural Research Service

January 15, 2009

SUBJECT:            Mid South Area Diversity Policy Statement

           TO:            Mid South Area Employees

     FROM:            Edgar G. King  //s//

                             Area Director, Mid South Area

The Mid South Area (MSA) Office is committed to employing a diverse workforce that reflects the Nation’s diversity.  The MSA is committed to a workforce in which opportunity is equal for all persons regardless of race, sex, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, or disability.

I personally believe that “diversity is not only the right thing to do, it is the smart thing to do.”  Diverse workforces are more productive and provide a rich environment that is conducive to new approaches for solving problems.

The MSA workforce is the most diverse Area in ARS – a fact in which we take pride.  We are committed to inclusivity as opposed to exclusivity.  Building and maintaining a diverse workforce requires a commitment to understanding and accepting that each individual is unique.  We should learn from individual similarities and differences.

The ARS Office of Outreach, Diversity, and Equal Opportunity assists in the recruitment and retention of qualified applicants.  I expect MSA supervisors to make positive efforts to ensure diversity within the applicant pool.

The MSA Office sponsors the MSA Workforce Diversity Committee.  This Committee is chaired by Mr. Jimmy McAlpine, MSA Civil Rights Manager.  It provides guidance to the MSA Office on issues relating to workforce diversity and diversification of the MSA workforce.

Any employee who believes he or she has been subject to unlawful harassment, discrimination, or retaliation is encouraged to contact their supervision, this Area Office, and/or the ARS Office of Outreach, Diversity, and Equal Opportunity (ODEO).  My office number is 662-686-5265.  Mr. McAlpine’s office number is 662-686-3634.  The telephone number for the ODEO is 202-720-6161.

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