History and Archives

The Human Rights Policy of Fermilab

Source: FermiNews Vol. 2 No. 35, September 6, 1979

Principle

The policy at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory is to pursue its scientific goals with an emphasis on equal employment opportunity and a special dedication to human rights and dignity.

Fermilab attracts scientists, not only from this country, but from many other nations all over the world. Foreign visitors, laymen as well as scientists, come to the Laboratory to participate in its work. They represent a wide variety of races, nationalities, cultures and beliefs. It is essential that we provide an environment and maintain an atmosphere in which both staff and visitors can live and work with pride and dignity without regard to such differences as race, religion, sex, or national origin.

We take affirmative action to insure that all have the opportunity to contribute to the Laboratory's activities, limited only by their abilities and efforts. We recognize that the provisions of equal opportunity may be insufficient to counteract the effects of past discrimination in such areas as education, employment and housing. Toward the end of providing for real equality of opportunity, Fermilab has implemented and will continue to develop and implement aggressive and innovative employment practices and training programs.

In any conflict between technical expediency and human rights we will stand on the side of human rights. This is because of our dedication to science. The support of human rights in our Laboratory and its environs is inextricably intertwined with our goal of making the Laboratory a center of technical and scientific excellence. The latter is not likely to be achieved without success at the former.

Policy

It is the policy of Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory that all personnel actions and general treatment of employees and applicants be handled strictly on a merit equal opportunity basis, without regard to age, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, physical or mental handicap, or because an individual is disabled or a Vietnam-era veteran.

The implementation of this policy shall include but not be limited to decisions on recruitment, hiring, promotions, compensation, benefits, transfer, layoffs, return from layoffs, laboratory training, education tuition assistance, and social and recreational programs. Promotion decisions within the Laboratory are to be in accord with principles of equal employment opportunity. This is to be insured by imposing only valid requirements for promotional opportunities.

The successful implementation of the affirmative action program will benefit the Laboratory through the full utilization and development of human resources. Further, all levels of management are assigned an equal share in this responsibility. Management performance in meeting affirmative action objectives will be evaluated in an equivalent manner to other business and Laboratory related objectives.

It is my desire and expectation that each member of management and each employee will fully support and join Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory's complete commitment to equal opportunity.

The implementation of the above policy is monitored by the E.E.O. Manager, Ms. L. PriceJoyner. She may be contacted at (312) 840-3591.