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Policy Statement on Equal Employment Opportunity

5/27/08

The American people rely on the Department of Commerce to foster the conditions for economic growth and opportunity by promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, competitiveness, and environmental stewardship. Our dedication to the following principles and our commitment to their effective implementation will enhance our ability to carry out the mission of the Department.

It is the policy of the Department of Commerce to prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual harassment and pregnancy discrimination), sexual orientation, national origin, age (40 years of age and over), and disability (physical or mental), including the provision of reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. Retaliation against those who initiate discrimination complaints or otherwise oppose discrimination and harassment is strictly prohibited.

We will seek to resolve workplace conflicts in a prompt, impartial, confidential, non-discriminatory, and constructive manner, and without fear of reprisal. We will encourage all Commerce employees to use the Alternative Dispute Resolution Program as a valuable tool in resolving Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) disputes.

Equal opportunity is good business and it is the law. I expect all managers, supervisors, and employees to carry out their duties in accordance with the principles of this policy.

Secretary Carlos Gutierrez

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