Policy Statements
Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Employment Policy Statement
It has been and continues to be the policy of the U.S. Census Bureau to assure equality of opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, or disability. In addition, the Census Bureau will continue to ensure that employees and applicants can work free from retaliation based upon participation in the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) process. The Census Bureau has been and will continue to be committed to a policy of EEO and to the principles of affirmative action.
The Census Bureau is committed to increasing the employment and advancement opportunities of groups protected under the federal nondiscrimination statutes that are underrepresented in the Census Bureau work force as compared to their relevant civilian labor force levels. I am committed to EEO laws and the realization of a work force that reflects the Nation=s diversity through the implementation of an effective affirmative employment program.
We will continue to make strong, positive efforts to ensure all persons are given full and appropriate consideration for employment, promotions, training, and participation in all Census Bureau-sponsored programs.
We will continue to value and respect the differences each employee brings from his/her culture. In addition, supervisors and managers will continue to create an environment where all employees are judged on their merits and promote a workplace free of discriminatory policies and practices. Managers and supervisors are held accountable for supporting the Agency=s EEO policy and programs.
I expect and encourage supervisors and managers to promote the Agency=s EEO policy in all of their employment activities, including the implementation of the affirmative employment program. Diversity in our work force enhances our ability to accomplish the Census Bureau=s mission because it increases the range of skills and approaches available to us. Working together, we can reach our affirmative employment objectives and be a model agency for EEO.
Steve H. Murdock
Director, U.S. Census Bureau
U.S. Census Bureau Policy on Prevention of Sexual Harassment
At the U.S. Census Bureau, we are committed to a workplace free from illegal harassment, including sexual harassment. Sexual harassment will not be tolerated or condoned, and employeesengaging in sexual harassment or discrimination will be subjected to disciplinary action, up to and including removal.
Sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to, unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when (1) submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a condition of an individual=s employment, (2) submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for career or employment decisions affecting such individual, or (3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual=s work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment. Sexual harassment also includes offensive comments or behavior directed at a person because of his or her sex.
Each of us has a role in the prevention or elimination of sexual harassment by (1) examining his/her behavior on the job, (2) supporting the Census Bureau=s policy on prevention of sexual harassment, (3) notifying his/her supervisor or higher-level manager when there is a concern. Managers and supervisors are held accountable for enforcing standards of appropriate office behavior and are expected to take prompt action to make inquiries and remedy any conduct identified as sexual harassment under this policy.
Sexual harassment adversely affects both mission accomplishments and productivity in the workplace, and it is against the law. Headquarters and regional office employees who believe they have been subjected to sexual harassment may contact a specialist in the Employee Relations Branch at (301) 763-3701 or the Employee Assistance Program Manager at (301) 763-1681.
All employees may initiate a discrimination complaint by contacting the Equal Employment Office (EEO) at (301) 763-2853 or 1 (800) 872-6096, or the National Processing Center’s EEO Office at (812) 218-3472 within 45 calendar days of the alleged harassment. Employees in a bargaining unit may file a complaint through the negotiated grievance procedures.
Steve H. Murdock
Director, U.S. Census Bureau
