FY 2017 PWA Anti-Harassment/ Anti-Bullying Policy

 

 

 

 

 

United States Department of Agriculture

 

Research, Education, and Economics

Agricultural Research Service

 

August 3, 2017

 

SUBJECT: 2017 Pacific West Area Anti-Harassment/Anti-Bullying Policy Statement

         TO:      All Pacific West Area Employees

      FROM:  Robert L. Matteri

                  Area Director

 

As United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service (ARS) employees, we all have a responsibility to make a commitment toward prohibiting sexual and other types of discriminatory harassment. ARS’ policy is clear that discrimination in any form, including harassment, will not be tolerated.

 

What is sexual and workplace harassment? Sexual harassment is defined as any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and/or verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Harassment in any form is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Workplace harassment is defined as unwelcome or offensive treatment, behavior, or conduct (whether verbal, physical, psychological, or visual) that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion toward an individual based on that individual’s protected status, and that a reasonable person would consider intimidating, hostile, or abusive. Offensive conduct includes, but is not limited to, bullying, offensive jokes, epithets, slurs, name-calling, physical assault or threats, intimidation, insults, ridicule, mockery, degrading rumor or gossip; interference with work performance, display of offensive objects or pictures, written or verbal comments and graphic materials that are offensive to or show hostility toward an individual or group. Protected status includes sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, or genetic information.

 

We all must be proactive in preventing harassment and promoting a discrimination free workplace. Managers, supervisors, and employees should be aware of this policy, refrain from acts of any forms of harassment, and take steps to promote a harassment-free workplace.

 

All ARS employees, applicants, and service recipients may submit harassment complaints without fear of retaliation. All allegations of harassment or retaliation must be reported immediately through the appropriate forum for investigation. Any individual(s) determined to have committed harassment will be subject to disciplinary or adverse action. ARS employees seeking relief from harassment based on sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, or genetic information must contact the Office of Outreach, Diversity, and Equal Opportunity (ODEO) at 1-800-340-4289 or 202-720-6161 or TDD 202-720-6382 within 45 calendar days of an alleged incident or knowledge of said incident.

 

Information on ARS’ Civil Rights Program can be found here at the ODEO webpage. Here is the direct link for additional information about the ARS EEO Complaint Process. Finally, this is the direct link for information regarding the USDA Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (OASCR).

Thank you in advance for your proactive commitment to preventing harassment of any nature and promoting a discrimination-free workplace.  

 

Pacific West Area - Office of the Area Director

800 Buchanan Street - Albany, CA 94710-1105

Voice: 510.559.6060 Fax: 510.559.5779 E-mail: Robert.Matteri@ars.usda.gov

USDA is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer