United States Department of Agriculture

Research, Education, and Economics

Agricultural Research Service 

December 22, 2005

SUBJECT:   FY 2006 Equal Employment Opportunity Civil

                 Rights Policy Statement

         TO:   All Employees

     FROM:   Edward B. Knipling /s/

                 Administrator

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is committed to ensuring civil rights for all ARS customers and employees.  Civil rights appear in many forms, such as human relations, communication, respecting differences, and treating people fairly, equitably, and with dignity and respect, free from reprisal or discrimination. 

I challenge each of you to join me in making a personal commitment in creating and maintaining a workplace which understands and accepts that each individual has unique beliefs, values, skills, attributes, and characteristics, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (gender), religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status.  Each individual has the important role to ensure that our programs are open and accessible to all ARS customers and employees, in accordance with the goals of the program, and for maintaining a positive and equitable environment. 

Conduct and/or behavior indicating discrimination or harassment against others may be reflected in annual performance ratings, and could lead to appropriate disciplinary actions.  Managers and supervisors have the responsibility to undertake corrective actions on identified barriers that may hinder progress in creating and maintaining an environment free from discrimination and harassment.  ARS will continue to provide and promote an environment free from discrimination or harassment for our employees, by treating everyone equitably and fairly.  As we encourage and support individuals to reach their maximum career potential, recognize and reward their achievements, and value their contributions to the Agency, we will maintain a competitive and qualified diverse workforce, to meet the Agency mission and goals.  

We each become more effective when we are open to a diversity of ideas, cultures, experiences, and backgrounds.  I am pleased to partner with you to achieve the important goal of pledging equity and fairness to all ARS customers and employees.