USDA 

~ 

Unltod Slatos 

Department ol 

Agriculture 

Office of the Secretary 

Washington, D.C. 20250 

June 8, 2022 

USDA Civil Rights Policy Statement 

At USDA, we are recommitting ourselves to the values of equity, inclusion, and equal opportunity for each other 

and those we serve. As Secretary, I will work with our dedicated team to intentionally build and advance a 

culture of belonging which empowers a diverse mix of people across USDA. It is USDA’s mission to actively 

advance racial justice and equity for one another by rooting out systemic racism 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 Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil 

Rights’ draft FY 2022-2026 Strategic Plan. 

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, 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 and advancement opportunities. 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 the USDA. 

USDA strives to become a leader in 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. I will not tolerate any form of workplace harassment. Agencies are 

required to respond to, address, and correct any harassing conduct before it becomes severe or pervasive, and 

USDA will continue to quickly process complaints of harassment, discrimination, and reprisal and provide 

robust EEO training to all employees. 

I will hold all employees and managers 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 must comply with EEO principles as we perform the Department’s mission. 

Sincerely, 

Thomas J. Vilsack 

Secretary 

An Equal Opportunity Employer