Discrimination Based on Marital Status or Political Affiliation

It is a prohibited personnel practice to discriminate for or against an employee on the basis of his/her political affiliation or marital status. 5 U.S.C. §2302(b)(1)(E).

Generally, the PAB/OGC does not investigate allegations of discrimination on the basis of race, sex, national origin, religion, disability, or color until after the process at the GAO Office of Opportunity and Inclusiveness has been completed (with the exception of undue delay or when an employee has been removed, reduced in grade or pay, suspended for more than 14 days, or furloughed for not more than 30 days). Allegations on the basis of political affiliation and marital status are not covered by the GAO Office of Opportunity and Inclusiveness procedures and therefore, PAB/OGC will investigate these matters without deferring to the GAO Office of Opportunity and Inclusiveness process.

If a current or former GAO employee or an applicant for employment with GAO believes he/she has been discriminated against on the basis of political affiliation or marital status, he/she may file a charge with PAB/OGC. Additional information for filing a charge with the PAB/OGC is located at How to File a PPP Charge.

For further information on procedures after a charge is filed with the PAB/OGC, see What Happens After a Charge is Filed?