(Mitre nf the (general
01. 2115311

 

April 4, 2019

Jason Lee

Trial Attorney

Consumer Protection Branch
Civil Division

US. Department of Justice
450 5th St., NW
Washington, DC. 20001,

Dear Mr. Lee:

Thank you for your March 27, 2019, letter on behalf of DOJ Pride. Please convey to the
Board of Directors and the rest of DOJ Pride?s membership my appreciation for your warm
welcome back to the Department. I also appreciate your raising issues that matter to you and many
employees in the Department, and I want to update you on actions that I have taken in response.

First, earlier today, I signed an EEO statement for the Department of Justice. A copy of
that statement is attached. Issuing the statement is not only required by law?as you noted in your
letter-it is the right thing to do. Employment decisions at the Department must be made solely
on merit and free from discrimination. Every employee should know that I stand by that principle.

Second, I was troubled by the concerns you raised about low morale and in particular about
discrimination against employees. I have shared your letter with the FBI and BOP and
have directed them to take appropriate action to investigate and address allegations of
discrimination and to prevent it going forward. I hope that DOJ Pride can help in identifying issues
when they arise and in working with Department leadership on solutions.

I know that these steps are not a cure-all. But I believe that they are important, and I thank
you for bringing these matters to my attention. Please know that your input is always welcome. I
hope that you and DOJ Pride will continue to help me and Department leadership in ensuring the
Department is an inclusive and productive workplace for all employees.

Sincerely,

MW

William P. Barr
Attorney General

Enclosure

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
EQJAL EMPLOYMENT
OPPORTUNITY
POLICY

 

William P. Barr

As the Nation?s largest law enforcement agency, the Department of Justice has an especially important
duty to uphold the rule of law and tO maintain a dedicated and diligent workforce that pursues justice,
equality, and fundamental fairness on behalf of all Americans. We differ in many ways, but this
diversity helps us better serve our Country. It brings to bear diverse perspectives that enable us to carry
out our responsibilities more effectively, protect our vital national interests, keep our country safer, and
preserve the rights of all Americans. -

Accordingly, the Department embraces equal employment Opportunity (EEO) and inclusiveness. We
welcome employees from diverse backgrounds to apply their skills and talents toward advancing our
mission to serve the country, achieve justice, and promote the rule Of law.

We must ensure that no applicant for employment or employee of our Department will be denied equal
opportunity because Of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, disability
(physical or mental), gender identity, protected genetic information, pregnancy, status as a parent,
marital status, political affiliation, or any other nonmerit?based factor. We will take swift and
appropriate corrective and/or disciplinary action when employees are found to have engaged in
discrimination, retaliation, or harassment, including sexual harassment, which are prohibited by our
policies regardless of whether the discrimination, retaliation, or harassment violates federal law.

The Department provides reasonable accommodations to, employees and applicants with disabilities
and for religious Observances or practices in accordance with established law, and supports the use Of
alternative dispute resolution to resolve EEO complaints and workplace disputes.

All employees and applicants for employment are afforded legal protections against EEO
violations and have the right to raise allegations of discrimination and harassment without fear Of
reprisal. employees and applicants for employment who believe they have been subjected to
discrimination, or to retaliation for participating in EEO activity, or for Opposing discrimination,

should contact their Component EEO Of?ce within 45 days Of when the alleged harm occurred.
Since its founding in 1870, the Department of Justice has stood for equal justice under the law. The

hard?working men and women who serve the Department and the Nation have my assurance that equal
justice and equal Opportunity will continue to ?ourish across the Department.

IS AN ECEJAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER