UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20250

As Secretary of Agriculture, I am firmly committed to ensuring the civil rights of all of USDA's customers and employees. Each person shall be treated with respect, dignity and equality. It is a standard I will continue to follow, and I expect each USDA employee to embrace this important commitment.

All employees and customers of USDA shall be free from reprisal or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, political beliefs, parental status, receipt of public assistance, or protected genetic information.

By our words and actions, each of us must demonstrate a commitment to equal opportunity for all individuals. We must strive for a workplace that respects differences and embraces diversity. Our programs and services must be accessible and delivered to all of our customers fairly and with dignity. There can be no exceptions or excuses. Together, we will continue to make the "People's Department" truly worthy of Abraham Lincoln's great vision.

Mike Johanns
Secretary