Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Statement

To: NIH Employees

From: Director, NIH

As the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), I am committed to promoting the principles of equal employment opportunity (EEO) and diversity. I urge each of you to share in that commitment and in our continuing efforts to ensure equality and fairness at the NIH. Diversity is invaluable in accomplishing our mission, and to serve the American people better. We must continue to recruit and celebrate men and women of diverse backgrounds as well as individuals with disabilities.

A standard must be set to ensure an environment free from discrimination and harassment. Our workplace decisions must be made on merit, without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation (through the Department of Health and Human Services Policy on Sexual Orientation), and without reprisal for engaging in a prior protected activity. This applies to all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotions, training, and career development efforts. Any employee or applicant who believes he or she has been subject to discrimination or retaliation should contact the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity Management, within 45 calendar days of the alleged discriminatory event(s).

Thank you for the wonderful work you do every day. Together we can make the NIH a model employer.

Francis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D.
Director, National Institutes of Health