Scales of justice

Office of Civil Rights

Our Mission

The Office of Civil Rights (S/OCR)’s mission is to manage the Secretary’s equal employment opportunity (EEO) program to become a model EEO program. We do this through our oversight of the EEO Process, management of the Anti-Harassment Program (AHP), educating employees about unlawful employment discrimination, facilitating resolution, and advocating change to overcome barriers that restrict equal employment opportunity.

Key Topics

Filing an EEO Complaint

It is the policy of the Federal Government to treat all of its employees with dignity and respect and to provide a workplace that is free from discrimination. Federal statutes protect employees and applicants from discrimination involving: Unfair treatment because of protected EEO bases; Harassment by managers, co-workers, or others in the workplace, because of protected EEO bases; Denial of a reasonable workplace accommodation because of religious beliefs or disability; Retaliation due to opposition to discrimination or participation in EEO process.

Learn More About Filing an EEO Complaint Filing an EEO Complaint

Harassment Policies

The Department of State is committed to providing a workplace that is free from discriminatory harassment and from sexual harassment.

Learn More About Harassment Policies Harassment Policies

Personal Assistance Policy

It is the policy of the U.S. Department of State to provide personal assistance services (PAS) for qualified individuals with targeted disabilities.

Learn More About the Department's PAS Procedures Personal Assistance Policy

Reasonable Accommodation Policy

It is the policy of the U.S. Department of State to comply fully with the requirements of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, 29 U.S.C. § 791 et seq. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has issued regulations at 29 C.F.R. Part 1630 implementing the provisions of the law for federal agencies.

Learn More About the Department's Accommodation Policy Reasonable Accommodation Policy

Affirmative Action Plan for People With Disabilities

On January 3, 2017, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued an update to Section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended. Pursuant to 29 CFR 1614.203(e)(2), each agency shall make an affirmative action plan for the hiring, placement, and advancement of individuals with disabilities and make it available to the public.

Learn More About the Affirmative Action Plan Affirmative Action Plan for People With Disabilities

U.S. Department of State

The Lessons of 1989: Freedom and Our Future