Diversity Management and Equal Employment Opportunity Staff
The Diversity Management and Equal Employment Opportunity Staff is responsible for directing and integrating the application of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, as well as other applicable non-discrimination complaint systems and affirmative employment programs.
The mission of the Diversity Management and Equal Employment Opportunity Staff is to ensure that the rights of employees and applicants are protected and that the agency promotes a proactive equal employment opportunity program, to ensure that IHS' goal of a diverse workplace is achieved.
The EEO complaint system covers individual and class complaints of discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age (40 years of age and older), physical or mental disability*, and reprisal for previous EEO activity.
As an employee, former employee, or applicant for employment, you may be accompanied, represented, and advised by a representative of your choice at any stage in processing your complaint, including pre-complaint counseling, provided the choice of a representative does not involve a conflict of interest and/or position.
* A disabled person is defined as one who has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities, has a record of impairment, or is regarded as having such an impairment.
You, your representative, and your witnesses shall be free from restraint, intimidation, interference, coercion, discrimination, and reprisal in the presentation and processing of your complaint. This includes the pre-complaint counseling phase, and any time thereafter.
If you have a representative, it is your responsibility to provide the agency's EEO office and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) with his/her name, address, and telephone number, and of any changes in your representation.
You must call or email an EEO contact within 45 days of the alleged discriminatory action.
During the pre-complaint phase, you are also entitled to confidentiality unless you waive that right. If you file a formal complaint, you no longer have the right to anonymity.
You will be provided a written statement of your rights and responsibilities within the complaint process by the EEO counselor.
