About the No FEAR Act
The No FEAR Act requires federal agencies to post summary statistical data on equal employment opportunity complaints, provide training to employees, and be accountable for discrimination and retaliation. This page provides required notices and information about your rights.
Your EEO Rights
Federal employees and applicants are protected from discrimination based on:
- Race, color, or national origin
- Religion
- Sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity)
- Age (40 and over)
- Disability
- Genetic information
- Retaliation for EEO activity
Whistleblower Protections
Employees are protected from retaliation for:
- Reporting violations of law, rule, or regulation
- Reporting gross mismanagement or waste of funds
- Reporting abuse of authority
- Reporting substantial danger to public health or safety
- Participating in EEO proceedings
- Opposing discriminatory practices
Filing a Complaint
To file an EEO complaint, you must:
- Contact an EEO counselor within 45 days of the alleged discrimination
- Participate in EEO counseling or elect ADR (mediation)
- File a formal complaint within 15 days of receiving the counselor's notice
- Complaints are investigated and you may request a hearing
Remedies Available
If discrimination is found, remedies may include:
- Placement into the position denied
- Compensatory damages for emotional harm
- Back pay and benefits
- Attorney's fees and costs
- Policy changes and training requirements
EEO Contacts
EEO Office
Office of Equal Employment Opportunity
For counseling, complaints, and general EEO inquiries
Diversity & Inclusion
Office of Diversity and Inclusion
For diversity programs and affirmative employment
Reasonable Accommodations
Reasonable Accommodations Program
For disability accommodation requests
EEO Complaint Statistics
As required by the No FEAR Act, we publish quarterly and annual data on EEO complaints. This data includes:
- Number of complaints filed
- Complaints by basis (race, sex, age, etc.)
- Average processing times
- Complaints pending and resolved
- Disciplinary actions taken
Frequently Asked Questions
You must contact an EEO counselor within 45 calendar days of the alleged discriminatory action. This deadline is strict, so do not delay in seeking assistance.
While you can report concerns anonymously, formal EEO complaints require identification to investigate and provide remedies. Confidentiality is maintained to the extent possible during investigations.
ADR is a voluntary process, usually mediation, that attempts to resolve complaints without a formal investigation. ADR can be faster and less adversarial. Both parties must agree to participate.