Vicksburg District

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EEO Officer

Dr. Frederick F. Austin
601) 631-5059, Office

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Equal Employment Opportunity Office

The Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Offices leads,  manages, and monitors the EEO programs; develops and implements affirmative employment plans; and manages the EEO discrimination complaint programs in effective, efficient and responsive manner to meet or exceed our customers’ expectations.

EEO Complaint Processing

The Equal Employment Opportunity Counseling Program is designed to provide the initial step in considering a complaint of discrimination.  Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, an or reprisal must consult with one of the EEO Counselors within 45 days after the alleged act of discrimination if they wish to resolve the matter.  This is a necessary step in the complaint process for both individual and class complaints.
You may see one of the Counselors or the EEO Manager will appoint one for you.  Do not present your problem to more than one, as this would be an unnecessary duplication of effort.  The Counselor is free to make whatever inquiry he/she believes necessary to seek a solution on an informal basis, and to counsel an aggrieved person concerning the merits of a matter.  If a matter is not resolved to the satisfaction of an aggrieved person, the person may file a formal complaint of discrimination  with the EEO Manager.

Special Observances

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Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Dr. King, by his preaching, his example, and his leadership, helped to move us closer to the ideals on which America was founded.  The majesty of his message, the dignity of this bearing, and the righteousness of his cause are a lasting legacy.  He made it possible for our Nation to move closer to the ideals set forth in our Declaration of Independence.  That all people are created equal and are endowed with inalienable rights that government has the duty to respect and protect.  
In the month of February particularly, we recall the many Blacks who helped to shape Black history. Black History month is more than reminiscing on the suffering of Blacks.  It is a time to remember the stunning record of achievement against both odds and times.  Some of the those achievements include the mingling with European notions of harmony to become blues, gospel, bebop, swing, jazz and rock ‘n’ roll.  Inventions such as the traffic light and preserving blood plasma have become part of American technology.  Let’s remember and then celebrate the accomplishments of Blacks.  
In every era of American history, women have braved enormous challenges to change our world for the better.  
Today American women serve at the highest levels of government, as Justices of the Supreme Court and in increasing numbers in the Cabinet and the United States Congress. As parents and partners, entrepreneurs and artists, politicians and scientists, women are continuing to help build an America in which all citizens, regardless of gender, are free to live out her dreams.
Asian Americans are made up of physically and culturally diverse groups with different languages, religions, customs and values.  Asian Pacific Islanders stem from two geographic categories-the Pacific Rim and the Pacific Basin.   These countries include China, India, Japan, Philippines, South Korea, and Vietnam.  The segment of this population is extremely rich, diverse and multi-cultural with influences stemming from almost as many European countries.
Hispanic Americans trace their ancestry to Latin America and Spain.  Included are Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Central and South America.  For many years Hispanics have been labeled as “one group” of people.  Yet this is not the truth.  Despite common assumptions, Hispanic Americans are distinct ethnic groups.  Each group can include white, black, red, or a mixture, has its own heritage, and may be Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, African or Indian spiritualist.  Hispanic Americans should be understood as they really are and for their valuable contributions they have offer our culture.

Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, prohibits private employers,
state and local governments, employment agencies and labor unions from discriminating against qualified individuals with disabilities in job application procedures, hiring, firing, advancement, compensation, job training, and other terms, conditions and privileges of employment. 

The beauties of nature come in all colors.
The strengths of humankind come in different forms.
Every human being is wonderfully unique.
All contribute in different ways.
When we learn to honor the difference,
 and appreciate the mix, we find harmony.

-Author unknown

The “discovery” of the New World has been called the most important event in the history of the Old World.  It opened two continents to avid colonization by expansionist Europeans and revealed a multitude of peoples whose existence shook the foundations of European thought.  Let’s celebrate the “discovery”!  

EEO Laws

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (Title VII) - charges must be filed with EEO Office within 45 days of the alleged discriminatory act.  

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) - The time requirements for filing a charge are the same as those for Title VII charges.  

Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) - The time requirements for filing a charge are the same as those for Title VII and the ADA.

Equal Pay Act (EPA) - Individuals are not required to file an EPA charge with EEO Office before filing a private lawsuit. However, charges may be filed with EEO Office and some cases of wage discrimination also may be violations of Title VII. If an EPA charge is filed with EEO Office, the procedure for filing is the same as for charges brought under Title VII. However, the time limits for filing in court are different under the EPA, thus, it is advisable to file a charge as soon as you become aware the EPA may have been violated.