Subject: NASA Policies, Merit System Principles, and Prohibited Personnel Practices. From: NSSC-HRMES@nasa.gov Date: May 30, 2013

Conscientious and principled decision making is a must for NASA managers and others who exercise personnel authority. Those who take, direct others to take, recommend or approve any personnel action should be familiar with NASA Policies on Diversity and Inclusion, Equal Employment Opportunity, Anti-Harassment, and the laws governing Merit System Principles and Prohibited Personnel Practices.

NASA Policy on Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity and inclusion are integral to mission success at NASA. Commitment to these principles helps to ensure fairness and equity in hiring and decision making. Diversity and inclusion engages and utilizes the talents, backgrounds, and capabilities of individuals and teams to create and maintain a work environment where diverse ideas are highly valued. NASA strives to build and maintain an environment in which employees are encouraged to offer their viewpoints and perspectives before critical decisions are made. To do so, NASA must cast the widest net possible on all hiring actions and be an organization where the expression of ideas and opinions is welcomed and encouraged.

The NASA Diversity and Inclusion Policy Statement is accessible at: http://odeo.hq.nasa.gov/documents/Diversity_Inclusion_Policy_Statement.pdf

NASA Policy on Equal Employment Opportunity

Equal opportunity in employment means opportunity not just for some, but for all. NASA is committed to ensuring its employees have a work environment free from discrimination regardless of race, color, gender, national origin, religion, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, status as a parent, or gender identity. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) covers all human capital and employment programs, management practices, and decisions including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, merit promotion, transfer, reassignment, training and career development, benefits, and separation. NASA supports employee rights under EEO law, and reprisal against individuals who exercise their rights will not be tolerated. NASA will continue to strive for a workplace that is free from all forms of illegal discrimination, including harassment and retaliation. NASA will also continue to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities, as appropriate.

The NASA EEO Policy Statement is accessible at: http://odeo.hq.nasa.gov/documents/EEO_Policy_Statement_2013.pdf

NASA Policy on Anti-Harassment

NASA remains committed to providing a work environment free from harassment and to addressing harassing conduct as early as possible, before it becomes pervasive or severe. Therefore, it is NASA policy to take immediate and appropriate action when the Agency is made aware of allegations of harassment or determines that harassing conduct has occurred. Harassment is defined as any unwelcome verbal or physical conduct, based on an individual's race, color, gender, national origin, religion, age or disability, sexual orientation, status as a parent, or gender identity, which can reasonably be considered to adversely affect the work environment or an employment decision based upon the individual's acceptance or rejection of such conduct. It is the responsibility of all employees to immediately report possible incidents of harassment. Employees who make a good faith report of harassing conduct or who assist in any inquiry regarding such a report are protected from retaliation.

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NASA Policies, Merit System Principles, and Prohibited Personnel Practices