Diversity and Inclusion

Secretary’s Message on Diversity and Equal Opportunity

Michael R. Pompeo
Secretary of State

The Department’s core values are the foundation of this organization. These values are important at all levels and should be integrated into our everyday work.

We are loyal to the American people, whom we have the privilege of serving, and we uphold the values of the United States. Department employees are the best and the brightest, and we display our strong character by acting with integrity and adhering to ethical standards.

Employees are dedicated to service around the world, often in dangerous conditions, working tirelessly and holding each other accountable for their words and actions.

All employees should feel they work in a professional, supportive, and teamwork-oriented community where everyone can contribute to the mission, regardless of position, rank, grade, or employment status. Ours is a workplace of civility and respect.

We aim to recognize the diversity of our employees’ rich experiences, talent, knowledge, and personal characteristics. We strive to put the right people in the right places with the right skill set. Even when the Department’s specific goals and priorities may change to keep pace with the dynamic international environment, our core values will remain constant.

As Secretary of State, I call upon all employees to uphold equal employment opportunity (EEO) principles by promoting fairness, equity, and inclusion in the workplace – both domestically and abroad – and to help ensure a workplace free of discrimination. EEO laws protect employees from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability (physical or mental), and genetic information. Retaliation against employees who make good faith complaints of discrimination is prohibited.

Since leadership is the key to workplace fairness, I expect every Department leader to foster a work environment in which everyone on the team can contribute to successfully carrying out our mission.