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Civil Rights Statement

Pacific West Area Civil Rights Policy Statement

Diversity is both the heritage and the strength of our nation. As Area Director, I am deeply committed to enhancing the diversity of our workforce at all levels of employment and responsibility.

As Secretary Veneman stated in her Civil Rights Policy Statement, "Our actions must always speak louder than our words." As we interact with each other, we are to view the dignity of each individual as the basis of our interpersonal relations. Thus, we are expected to reflect professionalism and respect for others in our day-to-day interactions. Conversely, we continue to enforce a policy of zero tolerance of any form of discrimination or harassment of any employee.

I had the very good fortune to grow up in an ethnically diverse rural environment and to work in the fields of the San Joaquin Valley with friends from Mexico, The Philippines, Europe, The Azores, and Japan. The gift was that early in life I learned that all people, irrespective of their national origin, share the same hopes and suffer the same tragedies in life.

Within ARS we have wonderful opportunities to recruit, hire and work with scientists and staff from a diversity of backgrounds. However, we need to make the effort. I expect that all recruitment actions in the PWA will devote special effort to diversifying the pool of qualified candidates. From this pool, the most highly qualified candidate will be selected. Our challenge and responsibility is to attract under-represented minorities and persons with disabilities to ARS and to encourage them to apply for positions.

I reaffirm my deep commitment to the principles and goals of equal employment opportunity for everyone regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital or family status, political beliefs, parental status, or protected genetic information.

As we fill vacancies and interact with each other and our stakeholders, we expect that everyone will make every effort to expand the diversity of our workforce, be energized by the richness of our diverse staffs and interact with stakeholders and each other with a spirit of integrity and equality.

Diversity continues to be both the hallmark and the strength of the Pacific West Area.

Antoinette A. Betschart /s/
Director, Pacific West Area

 
 
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