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Part II

OM 763 (rev.)
Amendment 1
3/7/77

POLICY STATEMENT

On March 6, 1975, the President issued a memorandum stating that, "Our Nation's strength is based upon the concept of equal opportunity for all our citizens.  Decisions motivated by facts not related to the requirements of a job have no place in the employment system of any employer."

As the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, I strongly endorse the President's statement, and fully support affirmative actions which will assure that all employees and potential employees have an opportunity to compete on a fair and equal basis for employment and advancement at the Smithsonian.  Our career development programs have broadened the opportunities for minority and female employees, and through our upward mobility programs, an appreciable number of minority and female employees are making the transition from sub-professional to professional positions.  I feel that these accomplishments are organizationally healthy and positive.  We need to continue vigorously our efforts to fulfill our commitment to equal opportunity.

[[underlined] General Responsibilities for Equal Employment Opportunity Plan of Action [[/underlined]]

A. The Director of Equal Opportunity is responsible for maintaining a responsive and viable affirmative Plan of Action which reflects the Smithsonian Institution's commitment to equality of opportunity, and for informing the Secretary of the status of the EEO Program. The Director of Equal Opportunity is assisted by the EEO Chief Counselor who is responsible for the activities of all 18 EEO counselors; the Women's Program Coordinator, who is responsible for all matters pertaining to the equal employment status of women; the Equal Opportunity Specialist, who is responsible for assuring compliance with the Action Plan and with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Upward Mobility Coordinator who is responsible for coordinating the Upward Mobility Program; and the Sixteen Point Program Coordinator who handles those Smithsonian Institution activities relating to recruitment and training of Spanish-surnamed Americans.

In each area the individual involved assists in formulating and implementing EEO policy and programs and in developing procedures for the effective execution of an overall EEO operation.

B. Members of the Executive Committee and heads of organization units are responsible for implementing the Plan of Action in their areas of delegated authority.

C. The Office of Personnel Administration is responsible for providing staff assistance in developing individual plans and procedures to assure equal opportunity in every phase of personnel administration.