Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) is the right of all persons to work and advance on the basis of merit, ability and potential. Federal fair employment laws prohibit discrimination and require the government to provide EEO without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability (mental or physical) or reprisal. Accordingly, policies provide for the fair and equal treatment of employees and applicants for employment in all personnel management and employment decisions. Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against because of any factor protected under the fair employment laws (their protected status) may file a complaint of discrimination. Each employee is responsible for ensuring EEO by treating all co-workers fairly and equally and by fostering a spirit of cooperation and good human relations in a working atmosphere free of prejudice, ill feelings, or resentment. Managers and supervisors who make decisions about hiring, training, performance evaluations, promotions and work assignments must implement EEO as an integral part of personnel management.

If you, as an employee of the Federal Government or as an applicant for Federal Government employment, believe you have been discriminated against when applying for a job, on your job, or in terms and conditions of your employment, because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, mental or physical disability, age, reprisal, genetic information or harassment, you may file a discrimination complaint against this agency. You should contact the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity within 45 calendar days of the alleged discriminatory action.

Office of Civil Rights and Equal Employment Opportunity 
Please contact Nancy Hemphill at (240) 961-8179 or Nancy.hemphill@hq.doe.gov.