Civil Rights Policy Statement

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Employment Discrimination Complaint Process

Risk Management Agency (RMA) is committed to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Civil Rights, equal employment opportunity (EEO), and diversity policies and programs. RMA's Civil Rights Policy prohibits discrimination in employment and in all of its programs and activities based on race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, reprisal, protected genetic information, sexual orientation, marital and parental status, political affiliation, and/or receipt of public assistance. It is our policy at RMA to simply understand that there will be zero tolerance for any form of discrimination. This standard is applicable to every RMA employee.

As your Administrator, I strongly and fully support Civil Rights, EEO, diversity policies, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), and the Secretary's Cultural Transformation Initiatives. In support of USDA's vision of a modem workforce in a modem workplace, I encourage every manager, supervisor and employee to embrace and develop a diverse workforce within RMA that reflects and demonstrates diversity. Work toward eliminating under-representation in RMA's workforce. Diversity of our workforce enriches our workplace and our community.

ADR initiatives are critical to early conflict resolution. ADR is a win-win process in resolving disputes or conflicts. It is also beneficial because it may decrease time and cost otherwise incurred when addressing workplace conflicts or disputes. All managers, supervisors and employees are encouraged to participate in the ADR process. For information on the ADR process, contact RMA's Civil Rights and Community Outreach Staff.

RMA employees, including managers and supervisors, share in the responsibility to promote equal access to the workplace and to federally assisted programs and services. Any employee who believes his or her rights have been violated under this or any anti-discrimination policy must contact RMA's EEO Counselor or Civil Rights Director within 45 calendar days of the alleged discriminatory event or action to initiate the EEO complaint process. It is expected that employees may exercise their rights to the EEO process without fear of reprisal.

Accountability is key and RMA employees will be held accountable for doing their part to ensure all RMA employees, applicants, and customers are provided equal access to the opportunities, programs and services available through RMA.

Accordingly, I am counting on all managers and supervisors to model appropriate behavior and to lead by example. RMA has an obligation to ensure all under-served farmers and ranchers, including women, minorities, small and limited resource, and socially-disadvantaged customers have equal access to program information and technical assistance necessary to participate in all RMA programs and activities.

To fulfill our mission at RMA and USDA, I encourage us all to strive to create an inclusive environment where every employee and customer is respected, trusted and valued.

/s/ Brandon C. Willis
Brandon C. Willis
Administrator

April 12, 2013

USDA-RMA EEO Complaint Activity Data | USDA Civil Rights Web Site