Policy Statement on Equal Employment Opportunity

February 22, 2024


National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) remains deeply committed to organizational excellence through the work and service we provide every day across the Nation and throughout the world. NOAA leadership understands that in order to uphold a high level of excellence, it requires not only an unwavering commitment from management, but employees at all levels of the organization, to welcome inclusive environments dedicated to equal employment opportunity principles and the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA). 

As One NOAA, we remain steadfast in our goal to eradicate discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, transgender status, and pregnancy), national origin, age (40 years of age and over), genetic information (including family medical history), disability, or pregnancy accommodation. The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) requires agencies to provide reasonable accommodations to employees’ known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, unless such an accommodation would pose an undue hardship to the agency. NOAA also provides reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants and employees with disabilities and for sincerely held religious beliefs, observances, and practices. Furthermore, retaliation against anyone who initiates a discrimination complaint, serves as witnesses, or otherwise opposes discrimination is strictly prohibited. These protections encompass all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring practices, appraisal systems, promotions, and training and career-development programs.

Employees, former employees, applicants, and contractors, who believe they have been discriminated against, and want to initiate an EEO complaint, must contact the NOAA Office of Inclusion and Civil Rights within 45 calendar days of the alleged discriminatory event or when they become aware of an alleged discriminatory act. If you wish to file a complaint, or want more information on the EEO complaint process, you can visit the OICR website at https://www.noaa.gov/inclusion-and-civil-right, by phone at 1 (800) 452-6728, (301) 713-0500, or email at noaa.oicr@noaa.gov.

I also strongly encourage you to take advantage of the EEO Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Program. This tool was designed to resolve EEO disputes as quickly as possible through the use of mediation with external and impartial mediators. As a reminder, participation in ADR is mandatory for managers and supervisors when an aggrieved individual elects this option.

As with other forms of discrimination, harassment at NOAA is also unacceptable and will not be tolerated. I want to remind you of your responsibilities to eliminate harassment as outline in Department Administrative Order (DAO) 202-955: Allegation of Harassment Prohibited by Federal Law and NOAA Administrative order (NAO) 202-1106: NOAA Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Prevention and Response Policy. Under these policies, NOAA managers and supervisors are responsible for preventing, documenting, and promptly correcting harassing conduct in the workplace. Our policy is simple, discrimination in any form will not be tolerated. 

If an employee is found to have discriminated against anyone, they may be subject to discipline. Pursuant to DAO 202-751, Discipline, the penalty for a first offense ranges from a minimum of five (5) day suspension up to removal depending on the severity of the case. For a second offense, 30 days to removal, and if an employee is found to have been guilty of discrimination three (3) times they will be removed from the Agency.

To remain at our best, NOAA needs an environment where all employees can be their best and not be judged based on characteristics unrelated to their work. I implore you, join me and all senior leaders in modeling behaviors that promote dignity and respect, while also fostering an equitable, inclusive, and accessible workplace. 

Sincerely,

Richard W. Spinrad, Ph.D.
Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere
   & NOAA Administrator