No FEAR Act

ANNUAL REPORT

FISCAL YEAR 2019

U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Civil Rights Policy 

The hallmark of my tenure as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture 

(USDA) is to do right and feed everyone and I don’t intend for that to be just a 

hollow creed. This pledge is at the heart of our work, which includes our 

commitment to protecting the civil rights of all USDA employees and customers. 

Doing right means treating all people equally, regardless of race, religion, gender, 

national origin, or any other characteristic. We are part of the same human family, 

imbued with dignity and worthy of respect. I expect every USDA employee to foster 

a workplace free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation so everyone can 

reach his or her full potential. Our workplace will be a model for proper enforcement 

of civil rights protections, not only because it’s the law, but also because it’s the right 

thing to do. 

Feeding everyone means it doesn’t matter what you look like or where you come 

from, USDA programs are for you. Hunger knows no color or creed. Whether we 

are responding to disasters with food aid, cultivating sustainable agriculture programs 

overseas, or improving school meals here at home, at USDA we know food has the 

power to unite. 

When you start with a simple expression of integrity and equality, upholding civil 

rights and all the freedoms enshrined in our laws is not just compulsory, it becomes 

intrinsic. For that reason and working together, we will continue to return to our 

touchstone: Do right ... by everyone ... and feed everyone. 

Sonny Perdue

Secretary
Table of Contents

Annual Reporting Requirements i

Executive Summary iii

PART I: USDA Formal EEO Complaints for 1

 Fiscal Years 2018 - 2019

Section A – Number of Formal EEO Complaints and Number of Filers 2

Section B – Most Frequently Cited Bases in Formal EEO 3

Complaints at USDA

Section C – Most Frequently Cited Issues in Formal EEO 5

Complaints at USDA

Section D – EEO Processing Stages 7

(1) Average Number of Days for Completion of 

Selected EEO Stages

(2) Pending Complaints at Various Stages

(3) Pending Formal Complaints Exceeding the 180-Day

Investigation Requirement

Section E – Final Agency Actions with a Finding of Discrimination 11

Section F – Analysis, Experience, and Actions 12

(1) Causal Analysis

(2) Experience Gained by USDA in the Processing of

 Formal EEO Complaints

(3) Past and Future Actions by USDA Relating to EEO 

 Complaints Processing

PART II: USDA Reimbursement to Judgment Fund for 17

Fiscal Year 2019

PART III: USDA Disciplinary Actions and Reports for 19

Fiscal Years 2018 - 2019

PART IV: USDA Federal Court Litigation 21

Statistics for Fiscal Year 2019

Appendix Equal Employment Opportunity Data Posted A-1

 Pursuant to the No FEAR Act
ii

Annual Reporting Requirements

The Notification and Federal Employee Anti-discrimination and Retaliation Act of 2002 (No 

FEAR Act), Public Law No. 107-174, Section 203 mandates that Federal Agencies report certain 

information for each fiscal year (FY). This report contains the: 

• number of complaints filed with USDA alleging discrimination based on race, color, 

religion, national origin, sex, disability, genetics, age, reprisal, and violations of

whistleblower protection laws;

• amount of money USDA has reimbursed to the Judgment Fund in accordance with the 

No FEAR Act;

• aggregate amount USDA has reimbursed to the Judgment Fund that is attributable to the 

payment of attorney’s fees;

• USDA policies relating to disciplinary actions to be taken against employees who have 

violated anti-discrimination or whistleblower laws or engaged in prohibited personnel 

practices;

• number of employees USDA has disciplined for discrimination, retaliation, harassment, 

or prohibited personnel practices; 

• number of cases in Federal Court arising under the anti-discrimination and whistleblower 

protection laws; and

• statistical data USDA is required to post on its public website.

In addition, the No FEAR Act requires that USDA provide an analysis of the information 

submitted in the report, including: (1) an examination of trends; (2) causal analysis; 

(3) practical knowledge gained through experience; and (4) actions planned or taken to improve 

its complaint or civil rights programs and procedures. USDA is also required to report any 

ascertainable adjustments made in its budget as a result of its compliance with the reimbursement 

requirement.
iii

Executive Summary 

USDA’s FY 2019 No FEAR Report is the fifteenth report submitted pursuant to the Notification 

and Federal Employee Anti-discrimination and Retaliation Act of 2002 (No FEAR Act), Public 

Law No. 107-174, Section 203. The No FEAR Act Report demonstrates key accomplishments 

for USDA during FY 2019 to reduce anti-discrimination and retaliation, increase accountability, 

emphasize training for managers in the management of a diverse workforce, and encourage 

dispute resolution and employee communication skills. 

As demonstrated in the report, key accomplishments in line with the requirements of the No FEAR 

Act and the Secretary’s Civil Rights objectives consist of the following:

• USDA experienced a decrease of 86 equal employment opportunity (EEO) complaints 

filed in FY 2019 as compared to FY 2018. In addition, the number of filers decreased by 

83 in 2019 as compared to the previous fiscal year.

• The number of findings of discrimination increased by two (2) in FY 2019 as compared 

to FY 2018. Data illustrating this trend can be found in Appendix A. 

• A review of disciplinary actions taken against employees who violated Federal antidiscrimination laws and whistleblower protection statutes shows that in FY 2019 there 

were 3 disciplinary actions (See Part III: Table 9 Disciplinary Actions) taken against 

employees, as compared to 14 disciplinary actions taken against employees in FY 2018. 

The decrease in disciplinary actions between FY 2018 and FY 2019 resulted from the 

continuation of USDA’s Equal Opportunity Accountability initiative, which has 

strengthened procedures that measure and evaluate both organizational and individual 

accountability in providing fair and equitable treatment for all USDA employees. The 

reimbursement provisions of the No FEAR Act continue to result in financial 

accountability for sub-agencies and individual staff offices within USDA. 

In addition, during FY 2019 USDA, through its Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 

(OASCR), implemented the following initiatives to reduce the number of EEO complaints: 

• Processed 393 investigations in FY 2019, an (18%) increase, as compared to 360

investigations processed in FY 2018.

• Monitored the sufficiency of one settlement agreement as well as the compliance efforts 

across the Department by providing oversight and guidance to 16 USDA agencies.

• Processed 394 formal complaints of discrimination in FY 2019 at the intake stage with an 

average processing time of 18 days for acceptance or dismissal determinations.

• Continued managing the Civil Rights Enterprise System to meet the annual assessment 

and authorization requirements established by USDA’s Office of Chief Information 

Officer.
iv

• OASCR collaborated with Office of Human Resources Management and revised USDA’s 

Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Procedures in accordance with the Equal Employment 

Opportunity Commission (EEOC) regulation, 29 CFR § 16.14.203(d)(3). The procedures 

included USDA’s personal assistance services (PAS) and will be posted on the website in 

accordance with EEOC’s revised Section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

• In alignment with the Secretary’s goal of OneUSDA, OASCR partnered with the Mission 

Areas, agencies and staff offices to revise the Agency’s Anti-harassment (AH) policy to 

incorporate EEOC’s requirements. A work group was established to develop the 

Departmental Regulation (DR) which establishes USDA’s AH Program. The DR is 

projected to clear the department in FY 2020.

• OASCR conducted a OneUSDA barrier analysis and Civil Rights Impact Analysis 

(CRIA) workshop to enhance technical competencies and increase quality of quantitative 

analyses.

• OASCR established a Farm Bill Committee to review civil rights related Farm Bill 

provisions and undertook actions to enhance OneUSDA Civil Rights business operations 

and program management. Specifically,

o A comprehensive Civil Rights guidebook was developed to educate internal and 

external stakeholders;

o A Workgroup was formulated to implement the 2018 Farm Bill mandate regarding 

utilizing CRIA. The Group began developing a CRIA guidebook which provides 

formulas for calculating adverse and disproportionate impacts;

o Barrier analysis and elimination training was conducted for mission area/agency 

employees; and

o An inaugural American Diversity Month program was sponsored to showcase the 

diverse fabric of American society and contributions to the American diaspora.

• Completed 100 percent conversions of complaint case records from paper to electronic 

format. This effort resulted in a savings of $9,937.20 in annual operating costs.

• Conducted two workshops, to address a OneUSDA approach to conducting barrier 

analysis, disproportionate and adverse impact analysis, as well as a CRIA to enhance 

technical competencies and increase the quality of quantitative analyses.

• Established the OneUSDA Anti-harassment Workgroup to address the EEOC’s

requirements for all Federal Agencies as set forth in and monitored through the MD 715 

Annual Report. This workgroup addresses the need for USDA to establish and 

implement an Anti-harassment Program. 

• Established the OneUSDA Compliance DR Workgroup, to revise USDA’s Compliance 

Departmental Regulation and implement a OneUSDA process and review system for 

compliance reviews.
v

• Established a OneUSDA EEO workgroup who identified and made recommendations to 

improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the EEO process.

USDA’s decrease in the number of complaints filed, disciplinary actions taken against 

employees who violated Federal anti-discrimination laws and whistleblower protection statutes

and proactive employment initiatives demonstrates its commitment to ensuring that employees 

who pursue claims under the federal administrative equal employment opportunity (EEO) 

complaint process and who engage in whistleblower activities are protected and are not retaliated 

against.
1

PART I:

USDA Formal EEO Complaints

for

Fiscal Years 2018 – 2019
2

Section A— Number of Formal EEO Complaints and Filers at USDA

Introduction

This section contains comparative information regarding the number of formal EEO complaints 

filed and the number of filers for FYs 2018 and 2019. 

Summary of Data

Table 1 below indicates the number of formal EEO complaints filed with USDA by fiscal year 

and the number of individuals who filed complaints. It shows a decrease in the number of 

complaints filed and the number of filers over the prior year (See Graph 1). 

In FY 2019, 436 complaints were filed as compared to 522 in FY 2018. This represents a 16

percent decrease in complaints filed. Additionally, the number of filers in FY 2019 was 414 and 

in FY 2018 there were 497 filers. This represents a 17 percent decrease in the number of filers.

Table 1

Number of Formal EEO Complaints and Number of Filers at USDA

Fiscal Years Number of Complaints

Filed

Number of Filers

2018 522 497

2019 436 414

Graph 1

Formal EEO Complaints and Filers at USDA

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

2018 2019

Formal EEO Complaints and Filers

at USDA

Number of Complaints Filed Number of Filers
3

Section B—Most Frequently Cited Bases in Formal

EEO Complaints at USDA

Introduction

This section contains information on the most frequently cited bases in formal EEO complaints 

for FY 2018 and FY 2019. The basis of the complaint is the protected characteristic the 

complainant alleges which formed the motivation for the discriminatory conduct. The bases 

protected by EEO statutes are race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, genetics, age 

and retaliation (for participating in the EEO complaint process or for opposing practices made 

illegal under the EEO laws). A complaint brought under the Equal Pay Act of 1963, as amended, 

is considered to be a complaint based on sex.

Summary of Data

Table 2 provides data on all bases alleged in formal EEO complaints filed with USDA. Of all 

bases, the four most frequently cited in formal EEO complaints filed in FY 2019 are: 

(1) retaliation; (2) race; (3) sex; and (4) disability. In FY 2018, the four most frequently cited 

bases were: (1) retaliation; (2) sex; (3) race; and (4) disability. These four bases are illustrated in 

Graph 2, which shows the two-year trend. 

Complaints Alleging Retaliation

Retaliation was the most frequently alleged basis in formal EEO complaints at USDA for both 

FYs 2019 and 2018. In FY 2019, 41 percent of complaints cited retaliation as a basis as 

compared to 40 percent cited in FY 2018. 

Complaints Alleging Race Discrimination

Race was the second most frequently alleged basis in formal EEO complaints at USDA in 

FY 2019. In FY 2019, 55 percent of complaints cited race as a basis as compared to 59 percent 

cited in FY 2018. 

Complaints Alleging Sex Discrimination 

Sex was the third most frequently alleged basis in formal EEO complaints at USDA in 

FY 2019. In FY 2019, 61 percent of complaints cited sex as a basis compared to 56 percent cited 

in FY 2018. 

Complaints Alleging Disability Discrimination 

Disability was the fourth most frequently alleged basis in formal EEO complaints at USDA for 

both FYs 2019 and 2018. In FY 2019, 61 percent of complaints cited disability as a basis 

compared to 63 percent cited in FY 2018. 
4

Table 2

Most Frequently Cited EEO Bases in Formal EEO Complaints at USDA

Frequency of EEO Bases in Formal EEO Complaints

Year

Race

Color

Religion

Sex

National Origin

Disability

Age

Retaliation

Other

1

2018 216 85 28 229 68 195 155 315 40

2019 195 93 35 171 58 170 157 258 37

 

Graph 2

Most Frequently Cited Bases 

 

1 Other USDA protected bases include color, national origin, age, and Non-EEO. Additionally, the basis of sex

includes gender identity and expression.

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

2018 2019

Most Frequently Cited EEO Bases

Race Sex Disability Retaliation
5

Section C—Most Frequently Cited Issues in Formal EEO

Complaints at USDA

Introduction

This section contains information regarding the most frequently cited issues in formal EEO 

complaints for FYs 2018 and 2019. The No FEAR Act requires Federal Agencies to post data 

regarding the nature of the issues raised in EEO complaints. The issue of a complaint is the 

specific subject matter about which the individual is complaining or the alleged discriminatory 

incident for which the individual is seeking redress. Table 3 contains a list of issues most 

commonly raised in complaints. The “Other” category captures all issues not specifically listed. 

Summary of Data

Table 3 provides the most frequently cited issues in formal EEO complaints filed with USDA. 

The three EEO issues most frequently cited in FY 2019 were: (1) Harassment; (2) 

Terms/Condition of Employment; and (3) Disciplinary Action. In FY 2018, the three EEO 

issues most frequently cited were: (1) Harassment; (2) Terms/Condition of Employment; and (3) 

Promotion/Non-selection. Graph 3 shows the trends for these three issues over the two-year 

reporting period.

Harassment was the most frequently cited issue in formal EEO cases in FY 2019 and FY 2018. 

In FY 2019 44 percent (245 filings) of complaints cited harassment as an issue as compared to 

28 percent (3752filings) cited in FY 2018, indicating a 16 percent increase. 

Terms/Condition of Employment was the second most frequently cited issue in formal EEO 

cases in FY 2019. Forty-seven percent (137 filings) of complaints cited terms/condition of 

employment as an issue in FY 2019, compared to 74 percent (135 filings) in FY 2018, a 27 

percent decrease. 

Disciplinary Action3 was the third most frequently cited issue in formal EEO cases in FY 2019. 

Seventy-five percent (111 filings) of complaints cited disciplinary actions as an issue in FY 2019 

as compared to 80 percent (107 complaints) cited in FY 2018, a 5 percent decrease. 

 

2 Data reconciliation is conducted on a regular basis; therefore, the number may change.

3 Disciplinary Action includes demotion, reprimand, suspension, removal and other,
6

Table 3

EEO Issues in Formal EEO Complaints

EEO Issues in Formal EEO Complaints

Year

Appointment/Hire

Assignment of Duties

Awards

Conversions to Full Time

Disciplinary Action

Duty Hours

Performance Evaluation/Appraisal

Examination/Test

Harassment

Medical Examination

Pay/Overtime

Promotion /Non-Selection

Reassignment

Reasonable Accommodation Disability

Reinstatement

Retirement

Termination

Terms and Conditions of Employment

Time and Attendance

Training

*Other

2018 24 82 14 1 107 8 98 1 374 0 11 71 47 94 0 4 35 135 77 45 33

2019 17 72 8 0 111 15 91 1 245 3 13 100 47 75 3 11 27 137 69 30 21

 *Other USDA protected issues include Religious Accommodation, Sex Stereotyping, Telework

. 

Graph 3

EEO Issues in Formal EEO Complaints

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

2018 2019

EEO Issues in Formal EEO Complaints

Displinary Actions Terms/Condition of Employment Harassment
7

Section D—EEO Processing Stages

Introduction

This section contains data regarding selected stages and associated processing times for formal 

EEO complaints processed during FYs 2018 and 2019. The formal EEO complaint process has 

various stages. Not all formal complaints complete all processing stages. These stages are: 

(1) Investigation (which includes Letter of Acceptance); (2) Final Agency Action with EEOC 

Hearing; (3) Final Agency Action without EEOC Hearing; and (4) Dismissal. Formal EEO 

complaints may be withdrawn or settled at any stage and may be dismissed at various stages.

Summary of Data

The following is an analysis of data for the three EEO processing stages. This section contains data 

on: (1) the average number of days for completion of each stage; (2) pending complaints at various 

stages of the EEO process; and (3) pending formal complaints exceeding the 180-day investigation 

requirement.

(1) Average Number of Days for Completion of EEO Stages

Table 4 below provides the average number of days for processing a formal EEO complaint at 

each stage. The data revealed an upward trend (as shown in Graph 4) in the average number of 

days for dismissals and for all Final Agency Actions with and without an EEOC hearing. There 

was an upward trend in the average number of days for investigations.

Table 4

Average Number of Days for Completion of Each EEO Stage

Year Investigation Final Agency Action 

with EEOC Hearing

Final Agency 

Action without 

EEOC Hearing

Dismissals

(pending prior 

to dismissal)

2018 173 21 51 20

2019 199 29 56 66
8

Graph 4

The Number of Days for Completion of Each EEO Stage

(2) Pending Complaints at Various Stages

Table 5 below illustrates the number of pending EEO complaints in FYs 2018 and 2019 at each 

EEO stage.

At the conclusion of each FY, the number of pending investigations remained the same. While 

the number of EEOC hearings decreased, USDA final agency decisions increased from the 

number filed in FY2018. In addition, the number of appeals pending at the EEOC at the end of 

the FY also increased.

Table 5

Pending EEO Formal Complaints by Stage

Year Investigation Hearing Final Agency Action Appeal

2018 17

4

426 24 231

2019 17 410 36 274

4 Data reconciliation is conducted on a regular basis; therefore, the number may change. 

0

50

100

150

200

250

2018 2019

Axis Title

Number of Days for 

Completion of Each EEO Stage

Investigation

Final Agency Action with EEOC

Hearing

Final Agency Action without

EEOC Hearing

Dismissals
9

Graph 5 shows a downward trend in pending complaints in the Hearing stage while there was no 

change in Investigation. In addition, Graph 5 shows an upward trend in pending complaints in 

two stages: Final Agency Action and Appeal.

Graph 5

Pending EEO Formal Complaints by Stage

(3) Formal Complaints Exceeding the 180-Day Investigation Requirement

Table 6 and Graph 6 show a decrease of 5 complaints in FY 2019 for formal complaints that 

exceed the 180-day investigation requirement from FY 2018. 

Table 6

Formal EEO Complaints Exceeding the 180-Day Investigation Requirement

Complaints Exceeding the 180-day Investigation Requirement

2018 21

2019 16

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

450

2018 2019

Investigation Hearing Final Agency Action Appeal
10

Graph 6

Formal EEO Complaints Exceeding 180-Day Investigation Requirement

0

5

10

15

20

25

2018 2019

Pending Complaints Exceeding 

180-Day Investigation Requirement

Pending Complaints

Exceeding the 180-day

Investigation Requirement
11

Section E—Final Agency Actions with a Finding of Discrimination

Introduction

Final Agency Actions involving a finding of discrimination may be issued on the record or 

following an EEOC Administrative Hearing. The final actions involving a finding of 

discrimination may include complaints with a variety of bases and issues. The No FEAR Act 

requires Federal Agencies to post the total number of final actions involving a finding of 

discrimination, along with the issues and bases for those complaints. 

Summary of Data

Table 7 and Graph 7 show that from FY 2018 to FY 2019, the number of findings of 

discrimination issued with an EEOC Administrative Hearing increased by one, and the number 

of findings without an EEOC Administrative Hearing increased to one during FY 2019.

Table 7

Final Agency Actions with a Finding of Discrimination

Year With an EEOC 

Administrative Hearing

Without an EEOC 

Administrative Hearing

2018 1 0

2019 2 1

Graph 7

Final Agency Actions with a Finding of Discrimination

0

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

2018 2019

Final Agency Actions with a Finding of 

Discrimination

With an EEOC Administrative

Hearing

Without an EEOC

Administrative Hearing
12

Section F—Analysis, Experience, and Actions

Introduction

The No FEAR Act requires: (1) an examination of trends; (2) a causal analysis; (3) practical 

knowledge gained through experience; and (4) any actions planned or taken to improve USDA’s 

complaint or civil rights programs. The prior sections (Sections A-E) provided an examination 

of trends. Described below are various observations related to the remaining three areas:

(1) Causal Analysis

USDA and its sub-component agencies identified and reported in FY 2019 the following factors 

impacting the filing of formal EEO complaints. 

• The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) reported a four percent increase in the 

number of complaints filed in FY 2019. Specifically, 22 complaints were filed in 

FY 2019, compared to 21 in FY 2018. The agency reports the increase is attributed to the 

decrease in the number of EEO/Civil Rights training sessions.

• The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) reported a 13 percent decrease 

in the number of complaints filed in FY 2019. Specifically, 35 complaints were filed in 

FY 2019, compared to 40 in FY 2018. APHIS attributes the decrease to early 

engagement by managers and supervisors in addressing employment concerns.

• The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) reported a six percent decrease in the number 

of complaints filed in FY 2019. Specifically, 15 complaints were filed in FY 2019, 

compared to 16 in FY 2018. ARS attributes the decrease of one formal complaint to 

timely and effective issuance of EEO policies, training, as well as better communication 

between management and employees through its Cooperative Resolution and Alternative 

Dispute Resolution (ADR) programs. 

• The Conflict Complaints Division (CCD), which processes conflict cases5, reported an 

increase of 13 percent in the number of complaints filed in FY 2019. Specifically, 53

complaints were filed in FY 2019, compared to 46 filed in FY 2018. CCD attributes the 

13 percent increase to the upsurge in filings based on age, assignment of duties, and 

promotion/non-selection.

• The Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) reported a 23 percent decrease in the number of 

complaints in FY 2019. Specifically, 10 complaints were filed in FY 2019, compared to 

13 complaints in FY 2018. FAS attributes the decline in complaints to training and 

educating employees on EEO issues, as well as interaction with employees.

5 Conflict case(s) is an EEO complaint involving facts and/or allegations that are determined to pose an actual,

perceived, and or potential conflict of interest between a Responsible Management Official or complainant’s 

position or personal interest, and USDA’s responsibility to administer a fair and impartial investigative process and 

resolution of complaints.
13

• The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) reported a consistent number of complaints for 

FYs 2019 and 2018. Specifically, 11 complaints were filed in FYs 2019 and 2018. FNS 

attributes the consistency in the number of complaints to the lack of mandatory EEO 

training in FY 2019.

• The Forest Service (FS) reported a 29 percent decrease in formal complaints in FY 2019. 

Specifically, 100 formal complaints were filed in FY 2019, compared to 141 formal 

complaints in FY 2018. FS attributes the decrease in the number of formal complaints to 

the continuous emphasis on creating and sustaining a safe, resilient working environment 

through its national Work Environment and Performance Office.

• The Farm Service Agency (FSA) reported a 23 percent decrease in the number of formal 

complaints in FY 2019. Specifically, 27 complaints were filed in FY 2019, compared to 

35 in FY 2018. FSA attributes the 23 percent decrease to officials properly handling 

cases within the agency and mandating Diversity, Title VI and Title II training.

• The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) reported a seven percent increase in the 

number of complaints filed in FY 2019. Specifically, 58 formal complaints were filed in 

FY 2019, as compared to 54 filed in FY 2018. FSIS attributes the increase to the 

reorganization the Agency underwent in FY 2019.

• The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) reported an increase in the number 

of complaints filed in FY 2019. Specifically, two formal complaints were filed in 2019, 

compared to none filed in FY 2018. NASS attributes this increase to the lack of 

remediation and resolution at the early stages of disagreement or disputes.

• The National Finance Center, Office of the Chief Financial Officer (NFC-OCFO) 

reported a 17 percent decrease in the number of complaints filed in FY 2019. 

Specifically, 35 formal complaints were filed in FY 2019, compared to 42 in FY 2018. 

NFC-OCFO attributes the decrease to expert EEO counseling at the informal stage of the 

EEO process and attempts to resolve matters at the lowest possible level within the 

agency.

• The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) reported no change in the 

percentage of complaints filed in FY 2019. Specifically, three formal complaints were

filed in FYs 2019 and 2018. NIFA attributes the static number of complaints to on-going 

civil rights training, utilization of ADR, and early proactive prevention of discrimination 

in its workplace.

• The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) reported a 35 percent decrease in 

the number of complaints filed in FY 2019. Specifically, 26 formal complaints were filed 

in FY 2019, compared to 40 in FY 2018. NRCS attributes the decrease to the agency’s 

supervisory and non-supervisory EEO training.

• The Rural Development (RD) reported a decrease of 28 percent in the number of 

complaints filed in FY 2019. Specifically, 28 formal complaints were filed in FY 2019,

compared to 39 in FY 2018. RD attributes the decrease to (1) employee’s continued 

utilization of the ADR program to seek resolution both outside the EEO complaint 
14

process and during the informal complaint process; and (2) RD continuing to raise 

awareness of equal opportunity during employee training sessions and compliance 

reviews, which led to employees’ increased knowledge of their rights and responsibilities 

and prohibited discriminatory behavior.

• The Risk Management Agency (RMA) reported an 83 percent decrease in formal 

complaints filed in FY 2019. Specifically, one complaint was filed in FY 2019,

compared to six in FY 2018. RMA attributes the decrease to the Agency’s continued 

leadership commitment to outreach, employee training, and zero tolerance of workplace 

discrimination. 

(2) Experience Gained by USDA in the Processing of Formal EEO Complaints

USDA, including all its Mission Areas and agencies, has learned the following lessons from its 

experience in processing and resolving formal EEO complaints: 

• conducting mandatory training needed to address employee issues and bases of 

complaints at the formal stage;

• continuing to utilize proactive approach to assuring employees adhere to USDA’s 

EEO/Civil Rights policies and applicable requirements through the distribution of 

information, training and education;

• involving managers and employees in EEO training to assure consistency in resolving 

complaint matters and workplace issues;

• assuring managers and employees utilize new orientation packages and Research 

Leader/Supervisory training;

• promoting early engagement from managers and supervisors as a valuable tool in the 

early resolution of EEO issues;

• educating managers through Civil Rights/EEO training to take a proactive approach to 

reduce or eliminate alleged discriminatory behavior and practices prior to the informal 

stage;

• improving the EEO pre-complaint process at the beginning stage to impact the formal 

complaint activity positively;

• continuing to hold managers, supervisors and employees accountable as a key factor in 

creating a workplace free from discrimination;

• staying committed to educating managers, supervisors, and employees on EEO and Civil 

Rights laws to avoid harassment and discriminatory practices that lead to disciplinary 

actions;

• requiring managers and supervisors to complete training in communication, conflict 

management/ADR, disability, and work-life balance; and
15

• promoting early involvement by EEO Counselors in resolving complaints.

(3) Past and Future Actions by USDA Relating to EEO Complaints Processing

USDA, including its Mission Areas and agencies, has taken several actions that have proven 

effective in improving its formal EEO complaint processing. USDA is also introducing new 

initiatives to reduce complaints in future years. The past actions include:

• created a new division which deals with “Customer and Employee Engagement” in order 

to listen, learn, and measure what matters to customers and employees;

• created a new online EEO curriculum utilizing AgLearn. Conducted EEO/civil 

rights/diversity training for all employees, supervisors, and managers to ensure

understanding, cooperation, and compliance with the EEO policy;

• encouraged supervisors and managers to cooperate with EEO officials and investigators 

throughout the complaint process, respond to requests for information and documents in a 

timely and accurate manner, participate in mediation at any stage of the complaint 

process, and participate in training especially as it relates to the complaints process, Title 

VII, and EEO training;

• continued to enhance its Reasonable Accommodation program to improve efficiency and 

ensure compliance with the EEOC’s requirements;

• provided RA training to new supervisors, frontline supervisors and various offices within 

the Agency to ensure and reinforce understanding of RA procedures;

• established a new anti-harassment policy and anti-harassment procedures for conducting

management inquiries for all allegations of harassment, whether presented to the Civil 

Rights Office or any other officials;

• continued to assure prompt and impartial complaint processing which holds managers, 

supervisors and employees accountable for creating a workplace free from 

discrimination; and

• reaffirmed and disseminated the Secretary's EEO policy statement.

Additionally, USDA plans to take the following future actions:

• reaffirm and disseminate the Secretary’s EEO policy; conduct EEO/civil rights/diversity 

training for all employees, supervisors, and managers to ensure their understanding, 

cooperation, and compliance; 

• implement its OneUSDA Anti-harassment Policy and departmental regulation;

• implement a OneUSDA Compliance review for all Mission Areas and Agencies based on 

the revised USDA Compliance Departmental Regulation;
16

• provide EEO, human resources, and workforce diversity training to meet the challenges 

of a diverse workforce and continue to use early resolution strategies such as mediation;

• issue mandatory “No FEAR” and “Anti-Reprisal” training to the entire workforce;

• establish three Special Emphasis Programs in field locations to assist the Agency’s efforts 

towards achieving and maintaining a discrimination-free workplace;

• continue to make Civil Rights and EEO compliance a critical element of supervisory 

evaluations, ensure supervisors receive regular EEO training, specifically on the topics of 

harassment, reasonable accommodations, telework, retaliation, and diversity training;

• hold meetings with the Agency Head (or designee), Administrators, and State Directors 

to discuss complaint activity, in a continued effort to strengthen communications, identify 

trends, and continually evaluate the possibility of early resolution of conflicts that could 

lead to EEO complaints;

• continue to review the existing compliance review assessment tools to determine whether 

new evaluation measures are required to effectively assess the Agency’s EEO Program; 

• assure all CR/EEO counseling and investigative personnel receive the required 32 hours 

of training and the annual 8-hour refresher training; and

• encourage individuals to engage in early resolution of complaints and ensure EEO 

conflicts are resolved at the lowest level possible.
17

PART II:

USDA Reimbursement to 

Judgment Fund for 

Fiscal Year 2019
18

USDA Reimbursement to Judgment Fund for Fiscal Year 2019

Introduction

Table 8 below provides information on reimbursements by USDA to the U.S. Department of 

Treasury’s Judgment Fund for monies associated with FY 2019 judgments, awards, or 

settlements under the statutes addressed in the No FEAR Act. 

Table 8

USDA Reimbursement to Judgment Fund for FY 2019 Settlements

USDA Reimbursement to Judgment Fund for FY 2019 Settlements

Case Total Amount Attorney’s Fees

1 $12,000.00 $0.00

Total $12,000.00 $0.00

Summary

In FY 2019, USDA reimbursed the Judgment Fund $12,000.00, of which $0.00 were identified 

as payment of attorney’s fees.
19

PART III:

USDA Disciplinary Actions and Reports 

for Fiscal Years 2018 – 2019
20

USDA Disciplinary Actions and Reports for

Fiscal Years 2018–2019

Summary of Data

PART 1: Table 9 below contains the number of disciplinary actions taken against employees 

who were found to have committed prohibited acts of discrimination, retaliation, harassment, or 

prohibited personnel practices (including those acts discovered in conjunction with investigations

of whistleblower protection or civil rights complaints).

Table 9

ADMINISTRATIVE DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

TYPE OF 

ACTION

FY 2018 FY 2019

DISC. RET. HAR. PPP WBP TOTAL DISC. RET. HAR. PPP WBP TOTAL

REMOVAL 0 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 1 0 0 1

15 DAY OR

MORE 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

14 DAY OR 

LESS 1 0 5 5 0 11 1 0 1 0 0 2

REDUCTION

IN GRADE 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

REDUCTION

IN PAY 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

LOR 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

TOTAL

DISCIPLINE 1 0 8 5 0 14 0 0 0 0 0 3

Table Abbreviations: Disc. = Discrimination; Ret. = Retaliation; Har. = Harassment; PPP 

= Prohibited Personnel Practice; WBP = Whistleblower Protection Act; and LOR = Letter 

of Reprimand.

PART 2: Table 10 below illustrates the number of Office of Special Counsel (OSC) 

Whistleblower cases and the number of employees disciplined under the Department’s 

disciplinary policies related to whistle-blowing and discrimination.

Table 10

OFFICE OF SPECIAL COUNSEL CASES

CATEGORIES OF CASES FY 2018 FY 2019 TOTAL

OSC WHISTLEBLOWER CASE 0 0 0

OSC WHISTLEBLOWER CASE CLOSED 0 0 0

OSC WHISTLEBLOWER DISCIPLINE 

TAKEN

0 0 0
21

PART IV:

USDA Federal Court Litigation Statistics 

for FY 2019
22

Tables 11, 12, and 13 below provide composite data for cases in Federal Court pending or 

resolved in FY 2019 and arising under the anti-discrimination and whistleblower protection laws.

Table 11

Federal Cases Pending in FY 2019

Federal Cases Pending in FY 2019

Pending District Court Cases 58

Pending Appellate Court Cases 3

New Cases Filed in District Court 26

Note: Cases pending at any time during the year, including those filed during the year, and those disposed 

of during the year. 

Table 12

Pending Cases

Pending Cases

29 U.S.C. 

§206(d)

29 U.S.C. 

§631

29 U.S.C. 

§633a

29 U.S.C. 

§791

42 U.S.C. 

§2000e-16

Disposed of During FY 2019 0 6 36 6 15

Still Pending at End of FY 2019 3 10 10 16 42

Table 13

Disposition of Cases

(Including Dismissals)

Disposition of Cases

(Including Dismissals)

29 U.S.C. 

§206(d)

29 U.S.C. 

§631

29 U.S.C. 

§633a

29 U.S.C. 

§791

42 U.S.C. 

§2000e-16

Settlements 0 1 1 0 2

Withdrawals 0 1 1 0 1

Final Judgment for 

Complainant

1 0 0 0 0

Final Judgment for Agency 0 6 6 5 15

Total Cases disposed of in 

2019

0 8 8 5 18

NOTES ON CASES WITH MULTIPLE BASES ALLEGED

1. Of the cases handled by the Office of General Counsel (OGC) involving the Federal 

Antidiscrimination Laws covered by the No FEAR Act, approximately 92.1 percent of 

those cases involve claims of discrimination on multiple bases (e.g., Sex, Race) and/or 

under multiple statutes (e.g., Title VII, ADEA).

2. Of the cases handled by OGC involving the Federal Antidiscrimination Laws covered by 

the No FEAR Act, approximately 74.6 percent of those cases also included a claim of 

reprisal/retaliation.
A-1

Appendix A

Equal Employment Opportunity Data 

Posted Pursuant to the No FEAR Act
A-2

Equal Employment Opportunity Data Posted 

Pursuant to the No FEAR Act 

FY 2019 for period ending September 30, 2019 

Complaint Activity

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Number of Complaints Filed 513 531 561 522 436

Number of Complainants 498 508 531 497 414

Repeat Filers 15 19 24 21 18

Complaints by Basis

Note: Complaints can be filed alleging multiple

bases.The sum of the bases may not equal total

complaints filed.

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Race 205 222 243 216 195

Color 71 63 75 85 95

Religion 24 35 35 28 35

Reprisal 296 273 311 315 258

Sex 217 206 216 229 171

PDA 2 0 2 2 2

National Origin 70 47 67 68 58

Equal Pay Act 2 1 8 13 7

Age 184 185 207 155 157

Disability 167 157 185 195 170
A-3

Genetics 2 0 1 0 3

Non-EEO 58 39 55 40 37

Complaints by Issue

Note: Complaints can be filed alleging multiple

bases.The sum of the bases may not equal total

complaints filed.

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Appointment/Hire 36 28 40 24 17

Assignment of Duties 119 92 87 82 72

Awards 19 8 17 14 8

Conversion to Full Time/Permanent Status 0 0 3 1 0

Demotion 3 4 4 3 1

Reprimand 56 27 45 43 41

Suspension 52 26 36 37 34

Removal 9 6 17 21 32

Other 8 7 4 3 3

Duty Hours 23 20 18 8 15

Performance. Evaluation/Appraisal 90 92 96 98 91

Examination/Test 1 1 2 1 1

Non-Sexual 303 285 343 351 239

Sexual 16 18 13 24 6

Medical Examination 8 1 4 0 3

Pay including Overtime 41 22 30 11 13

Promotion/Non-Selection 160 149 124 71 100

Denied 25 14 17 21 17
A-4

Directed 39 18 20 26 39

Reasonable Accommodation Disability 84 68 84 94 75

Reinstatement 1 2 0 0 3

Religious Accommodation 0 3 4 1 1

Retirement 1 3 6 4 11

Sex-Stereotyping 0 1 1 1 0

Telework 14 29 25 31 20

Termination 41 27 36 35 27

Terms/Conditions of Employment 167 103 146 135 137

Time and Attendance 79 60 67 77 69

Training 49 54 40 45 30

User Defined - Other 1 13 5 2 0 1

User Defined - Other 2 6 0 1 0 0

User Defined - Other 3 1 0 0 0 0

User Defined - Other 4 1 0 0 0 0

Processing Time

2015 2016 2017 2018 FY

2019

Average Number of Days in 

Investigation

198.99 209.13 161.02 173.22 199.49

Average Number of Days in Final 

Action

106.45 97.53 151.66 36.78 40.62

Average Number of Days in 

Investigation

203.06 213.18 165.95 172.58 208.32

Average Number of Days in Final 

Action

94.69 69.31 108.76 21.90 29.15
A-5

Average Number of Days in 

Investigation

192.70 202.08 153.61 173.78 189.03

Average Number of Days in Final 

Action

114.36 124.03 181.492 50.90 55.94

Complaints Dismissed by Agency

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Total Complaints Dismissed by 

Agency

57 54 83 84 51

Average Days Pending Prior to 

Dismissal

104 111 64 20 66

Total Complaints Withdrawn by 

Complainants 35 28 35 28 37

Total Final Agency Actions Finding 

Discrimination 2015 2016 2017 2018 FY 2019

# % # % # % # % # %

Total Number Findings 11 7 5 1 3

Without Hearing 5 45 6 86 3 60 0 0 1 33

With Hearing 6 55 1 14 2 40 1 100 2 67

Note: Complaints can be filed 

alleging multiple bases.The sum 

of the bases may not equal total

complaints and findings.

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

# % # % # % # % # %

Total Number Findings 8 7 4 1 3

Race 1 13 3 43 3 75 0 0 1 33
A-6

Color 0 0 1 14 0 0 0 0 1 33

Religion 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Reprisal 4 50 4 57 1 25 1 100 2 67

Sex 0 0 3 43 0 0 1 100 1 33

PDA 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

National Origin 1 13 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Equal Pay Act 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Age 1 13 0 0 1 25 0 0 0 0

Disability 7 88 2 29 0 0 0 0 2 67

Genetics 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Non-EEO 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Findings After Hearing 6 1 2 1 2

Race 1 17 1 100 2 100 0 0 0 0

Color 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Religion 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 50

Reprisal 3 50 1 100 0 0 1 100 1 0

Sex 0 0 1 100 0 0 1 100 0 0

PDA 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

National Origin 1 17 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Equal Pay Act 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Age 1 17 0 0 1 50 0 0 0 50

Disability 5 83 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0

Genetics 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Non-EEO 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Findings Without Hearing 2 6 2 0 1
A-7

Race 0 0 2 33 1 50 0 0 1 100

Color 0 0 1 17 0 0 0 0 1 100

Religion 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Reprisal 1 50 3 50 1 50 0 0 1 100

Sex 0 0 2 33 0 0 0 0 1 100

PDA 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

National Origin 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Equal Pay Act 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Age 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Disability 2 100 2 33 0 0 0 0 1 100

Genetics 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Non-EEO 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Findings of Discrimination

Rendered by Issue

2015 2016 2017 2018 FY 2019

Total Number Findings 8 7 4 1 3

Appointment/Hire 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Assignment of Duties 0 0 1 14 2 50 0 0 0 0

Awards 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Conversion to Full Time/

Permanent Status

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Demotion 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Reprimand 1 13 2 29 0 0 0 0 0 0

Suspension 0 0 1 14 0 0 0 0 1 33

Removal 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 33

Other 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
A-8

Duty Hours 0 0 1 14 0 0 0 0 0 0

Performance Evaluation/ Appraisal 1 13 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 33

Examination/Test 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Non-Sexual 3 38 2 29 0 0 0 0 3 100

Sexual 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 100 0 0

Medical Examination 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Pay Including Overtime 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 33

Promotion/Non-Selection 0 0 2 29 3 75 0 0 0 0

Denied 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 100 0 0

Directed 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Reasonable Accommodation 

Disability 4 50 1 14 0 0 0 0 2 67

Reinstatement 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Religious Accommodation 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Retirement 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Sex-Stereotyping 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Telework 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Termination 0 0 0 0 1 25 0 0 0 0

Terms/Conditions of Employment 0 0 2 29 1 25 0 0 0 0

Time and Attendance 1 13 0 0 0 0 1 100 0 0

Training 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

User Defined - Other 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

User Defined - Other 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

User Defined - Other 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

User Defined - Other 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Findings After Hearing 6 1 2 1 2
A-9

Appointment/Hire 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Assignment of Duties 0 0 1 100 1 50 0 0 0 0

Awards 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Conversion to Full Time/Perm 

Status 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Demotion 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Reprimand 1 17 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Suspension 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 50

Removal 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Other 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Duty Hours 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Performance Evaluation/ Appraisal 1 17 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 50

Examination/Test 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Non-Sexual 3 50 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 100

Sexual 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 100 0 0

Medical Examination 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Pay Including Overtime 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 50

Promotion/Non-Selection 0 0 0 0 1 50 0 0 0 0

Denied 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 100 0 0

Directed 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Reasonable Accommodation 

Disability 2 33 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 50

Reinstatement 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Religious Accommodation 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Retirement 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Sex-Stereotyping 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
A-10

Telework 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Termination 0 0 0 0 1 50 0 0 0 0

Terms/Conditions of Employment 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0

0

Time and Attendance 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 100 0 0

Training 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

User Defined - Other 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

User Defined - Other 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

User Defined - Other 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

User Defined - Other 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Findings Without Hearing 2 6 2 0 1

Appointment/Hire 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Assignment of Duties 0 0 0 0 1 50 0 0 0 0

Awards 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Conversion to Full Time/

Permanent Status 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Demotion 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Reprimand 0 0 2 33 0 0 0 0 0 0

Suspension 0 0 1 17 0 0 0 0 0 0

Removal 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 100

Other 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Duty Hours 0 0 1 17 0 0 0 0 0 0

Performance Evaluation/ Appraisal 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Examination/Test 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Non-Sexual 0 0 2 33 0 0 0 0 1 100

Sexual 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
A-11

Medical Examination 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Pay Including Overtime 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Promotion/Non-Selection 0 0 2 33 2 100 0 0 0 0

Denied 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Directed 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Reasonable Accommodation 

Disability

2 100 1 17 0 0 0 0 1 100

Reinstatement 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Religious Accommodation 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Retirement 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Sex-Stereotyping 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Telework 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Termination 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Terms/Conditions of Employment 0 0 2 33 1 50 0 0 0 0

Time and Attendance 1 50 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Training 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

User Defined - Other 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

User Defined - Other 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

User Defined - Other 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

User Defined - Other 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Pending Complaints Filed in

Previous Fiscal Years by Status

2015 2016 2017 2018 FY

2019

Total Complaints from Previous

Fiscal Years

439 442 472 453 453

Total Complainants 403 417 429 410 398
A-12

Investigation 19 15 14 17 17

ROI Issued, Pending 

Complainant's Action 1 2 0 0 1

Hearing 381 375 434 426 410

Final Agency Action 50 59 27 24 36

Appeal with EEOC Office of 

Federal Operations 122 143 192 231 274

Complaint Investigations

2015 2016 2017 2018 FY 2019

Pending Complaints Where 

Investigations Exceed Required 

Time Frames

16 10 8 21

16