March 29, 2021 

Policy Statement on the Prevention of Harassment 

The U.S. Department of Transportation is committed to creating a work environment free from 

harassment on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, pregnancy, sexual 

orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or retaliation. 

As Secretary of Transportation, I am committed to our longstanding policy that the Department will not 

tolerate harassment and will address any violation of this policy promptly and effectively. 

This policy applies within the four walls of our physical office space and extends to employees 

teleworking, on work travel, at other work-related events and activities, and wherever there may be a 

nexus to the Department and an impact on the workplace. Harassment may occur in person, via 

telephone, email, or social media, or by any other method of communication. The obligation to act in a 

professional and non-discriminatory manner extends to everyone in our workplace. 

Prevention is the best tool to eliminate harassment in the workplace. As such, the Department strives to 

maintain an environment in which employees feel free to raise concerns and are confident that those 

concerns will be addressed. As further explained in our Anti-Harassment Policy and procedures, 

employees, former employees, and applicants for employment who believe that they have been victims of 

harassment should, without fear of retaliation, seek the immediate assistance of any management official, 

their Office of Human Resources, our Departmental Office of Civil Rights, or their designated antiharassment coordinator. We will investigate all allegations of harassment promptly, thoroughly, and 

impartially, and will keep confidential, to the greatest extent possible, the facts of these investigations. 

I expect any manager or supervisor who becomes aware of harassment or inappropriate behavior to take 

immediate and appropriate corrective action to ensure that the harassment or behavior stops and does not 

recur. Violations of the law prohibiting harassment or violations of this policy will result in appropriate 

disciplinary actions against the offenders, up to and including dismissal. This includes cases where a 

manager or supervisor knew or should have known about the harassment and failed to take prompt and 

appropriate corrective action. Moreover, all employees are prohibited from retaliating against and/or 

harassing those who report such conduct or behavior. 

Employees, former employees, and applicants for employment who believe they have been subjected to 

harassment or discrimination also may contact an EEO Counselor, their Office of Civil Rights, or our 

Departmental Office of Civil Rights to file a complaint within 45 calendar days of the alleged harassment 

or discrimination or the date on which they reasonably became aware of the harassment or discrimination. 

If a formal complaint is filed and accepted, there will be a prompt, thorough, and impartial investigation. 

I am committed to providing a workplace free from harassment where everyone is treated with respect 

and dignity. I expect each of you to join me in cultivating this ideal. 

Pete Buttigieg