Office of Equal Employment Opportunity

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects against discrimination on the basis of age (40 and over), color, disability (mental and physical), national origin, race, religion, sex, and reprisal for participation in the EEO process. The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 requires federal agencies to reasonably accommodate qualified employees with disabilities. Executive Order 11478 prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and Executive Order 13152 prohibits discrimination based on an individual's status as a parent. Agency policy specifies a zero tolerance policy to any form of harassment—either sexual or nonsexual. By embracing these laws and policies, the Agency aims to develop the fullest potential of all employees, without unfairly favoring or disadvantaging any group of employees.

The Office of Equal Employment Opportunity (OEEO) is the Agency focal point for equal opportunity and compliance programs. OEEO's two staffs ensure that the Agency is a workplace free of discrimination and harassment and that qualified employees with disabilities are given the tools they need to succeed.

OEEO's Counseling and Investigation Staff advises employees and managers on preventing and addressing discrimination and harassment. EEO Counselors respond to complaints with prompt intervention. Their goal is to defuse conflict, mitigate collateral damage, and facilitate resolution. EEO investigators develop impartial, factual investigative reports, which Agency managers, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission officials, and U.S. District Court judges use in making decisions about cases.

The Reasonable Accommodations Staff (RAS) provides assistive technology and specialized services to meet the job-related needs of Agency employees with disabilities. An Assistive Technology Officer works directly with individuals and their managers to evaluate the work environment, research existing technology, and acquire and deploy the appropriate accommodation for each request. RAS also provides sign language interpreters and readers for the blind to support individuals from application to retirement. OEEO maintains centralized funding for assistive technology products and services, as well as for structural changes that are necessary to accommodate an individual with a disability. The office individually evaluates each request to provide the most appropriate reasonable accommodation.

OEEO also supports Agency management by coordinating outreach efforts with the DCI's Special Assistant for Diversity Plans and Programs, working with the Agency's Ombudsman, and assisting the Agency Diversity Council and various affinity groups, and participating in inter-Agency efforts such as the Community Diversity Issues Board and the Community Deaf and Disabled Accommodation Action Team.