Workplace harassment is a serious issue that prevents an organization from achieving its goals. As the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Director, I want to affirm my commitment to ensuring a workplace free from all forms of harassment, including discriminatory harassment. The USGS will exercise zero tolerance for any type of harassing behavior or misconduct.
I fully support the implementation of the USGS Anti-Harassment Policy, which provides guidance to all employees to help them report any incidents of harassment without fear of retaliation. The policy also provides vital information for supervisors and management officials, so they are aware of their responsibility to promptly address allegations of harassment, initiate a due process inquiry or investigation when determined necessary, and ensure that the appropriate corrective or disciplinary action is taken when there is a finding of misconduct.
The USGS cannot correct harassing misconduct if a supervisor or management official is not aware of it. Employees are expected to report any incidents of harassing misconduct they know of or have witnessed to a supervisor or other management official, an employee relations specialist, the USGS Anti-Harassment program manager, or the Department of the Interior Office of Inspector General. Employees may also contact the USGS Office of Diversity and Employment Opportunity or an EEO counselor directly if they believe they have been subjected to discriminatory harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, disability or age, and/or reprisal. Any employee who has been subjected to harassing misconduct is encouraged to inform the person(s) responsible for the misconduct that it is unwelcome and offensive, and request that it cease. If the misconduct continues, is severe, or if the employee is uncomfortable addressing the responsible person(s) about the misconduct, the employee is encouraged to report the matter to one of the offices/officials identified above.
To assist employees, the USGS has developed the Anti-Harassment Program website that serves as a single resource for information regarding anti-harassment. Employees can find information regarding the discrimination complaints process at the Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity internal site.
As dedicated professionals, all USGS employees are expected to refrain from engaging in harassing behavior or misconduct and maintain a respectful and inclusive workplace so that we all promote a work environment of dignity and respect.
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