Office of the Secretary

Washington, DC 20250

An Equal Opportunity Employer

July 25, 2023

USDA Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Statement

At the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), we are recommitting ourselves to the values of diversity, 

equity, inclusion, accessibility, and equal opportunity for each other and those we serve. As Secretary, I 

am committed to working with leaders at all levels across the Department to intentionally build and 

advance a culture of belonging and excellence across USDA. It is USDA’s mission to actively advance 

racial justice and equity for one another by rooting out systemic discrimination and inequities and 

strengthening civil rights programs while building trust within and outside the Department. This 

commitment is reflected in USDA’s Strategic Plan 2022-2026, USDA’s Equity Action Plan, and the 

USDA’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access Strategic Plan for Fiscal Year 2022-2026.

As a Department, our core values of respect and dignity, equity and inclusion, trust and integrity, service 

and results, and science leadership serve as guiding principles, defining appropriate behaviors and 

expectations for all employees, and directing decision making throughout all levels of the organization.

No employee, former employee, or applicant for employment at the Department will be denied equal 

opportunity because of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, pregnancy, sexual 

orientation, gender identity, genetic information, retaliation, or any other non-merit-based factor. This not 

only is the law; it is an essential component of the Department’s mission and our responsibility to the 

public we serve.

All employees have the freedom to compete on a fair and level playing field with equal opportunity for 

available employment, advancement opportunities, and compensation. Equal employment opportunity 

covers all personnel/employment programs, management practices, and decisions, including recruitment, 

hiring, merit promotion, transfer, reassignments, training and career development, benefits, and 

separation. These civil rights principles are more than employees’ rights by law—they are core values at 

USDA.

USDA strives to become a leader in equal employment opportunity (EEO) and a model employer. All 

USDA applicants and employees have the right not only to be free from harassment and discrimination 

but also to raise an allegation of harassment or discrimination and not fear reprisal. Any form of 

workplace harassment or reprisal against anyone who engages in protected activity will not be tolerated. 

USDA’s recently issued Anti-Harassment Program Departmental Regulation 4200-003, reenforces that 

Agencies are required to respond to, address, and correct any harassing conduct before it becomes severe 

or pervasive, and USDA will continue to process complaints of harassment, discrimination, and reprisal 

and provide robust EEO training to all employees.

Employees and managers will be held accountable for doing their part to ensure all USDA applicants, 

customers, constituents, and stakeholders are provided equal access to all opportunities, programs, and 

services available through USDA. Accordingly, all senior leaders, managers, and supervisors must act in 

a manner that is deserving of the public’s trust and with the utmost integrity in everything we do as public 

servants, leading always by example, treating everyone with dignity and respect, and promoting an 

ethical, equitable, and inclusive culture. All employees must comply with EEO principles as we perform 

the Department’s mission.

Sincerely,

THOMAS J. VILSACK

Secretary