Civil Rights Policy Statement

For

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
 

It is the policy of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to provide equal opportunity for all persons without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, political beliefs and marital or familial status. I am fully committed to this policy and likewise expect Maine NRCS employees at all levels of our organization to actively demonstrate their commitment as well.

Discrimination is illegal. It not only affects the work environment but also often the personal life of those involved. It also can be a serious distraction from the agency’s ability to carry out its mission and satisfy the expectations of our clients. Unfortunately, instances of discrimination and harassment are still occurring in our agency. For this reason, it is imperative that we assure equal opportunity for our clients and respect the diversity of our employees and partners.

I hold all Maine NRCS employees fully accountable for understanding Civil Rights principles and policy; for providing our programs and assistance without discrimination; and for treating co-workers, partners, and clients with respect and dignity.

I expect all NRCS managers and supervisors to actively demonstrate their knowledge and commitment of our Civil Rights laws, policies, and principles through a positive personal example and swift, reasonable, and credible response to identified problems.

I look forward to working with you to assure that our employees, partners, and clients find an agency and work environment that is positive, productive, and focused on natural resource conservation.

/s/ Joyce Swartzendruber

JOYCE A. SWARTZENDRUBER
State Conservationist

June 2005

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