Civil Rights Policy Statement

February 7, 2005

The Montana Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is committed to ensure that all of its employees, prospective employees, customers, and prospective customers are provided with a positive and professional work environment that offers program delivery services in a fair, equitable, and respectful manner.

As State Conservationist, I am firmly committed to ensuring that Montana NRCS employees comply with the Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights compliance and equal employment opportunity policy by treating everyone in a fair and equitable manner regardless of their race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital or family status, political belief, parental status, or protected genetic information.

Civil Rights is a responsibility that we all must share and adhere to. I expect everyone associated with NRCS to comply with every aspect of our Nation’s civil rights laws and policies. Those who do not will be held accountable through appropriate disciplinary action. As NRCS managers, supervisors, and employees, we cannot be effective without being fair. We cannot be responsive to the needs of our customers without being sensitive to the human issues we face in our day-to-day operations.

We must continue to strive and promote a workplace and society that is free from discrimination and harassment. Your support and commitment to this policy will enable the Montana NRCS to create a better workplace for all employees, and deliver programs and services to all people. I look forward to receiving your support in fulfilling our goals.

Dave White
State Conservationist