"When Interior Secretary Ken Salazar issued an "Inclusive Workplace Statement" to his employees last week, there was little indication of the pressure his department has been under on the diversity front.

Last month, an administrative judge ruled against the department in a discrimination case, finding that a supervisor called African American subordinates "monkeys." In June, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission issued a scathing report on the department's Fish and Wildlife Service, saying the agency's equal employment opportunity program was largely dysfunctional and violated federal regulations. Also in June, Interior's Blacks in Government chapter told Salazar that the department did not show evidence that it is committed to "fair policies, excellent practices and high standards."

Salazar has taken notice.

"Supervisors and managers are expected to be role models who exhibit behaviors of inclusion, acceptance and accountability. All employees are expected to adhere to our guiding principles of integrity, fairness, trust, ethical and legal behavior, and zero tolerance for discrimination," his statement said.

He appointed John Burden to the position of chief diversity officer. "Please join me," Salazar said, "in making the department the best place to work in America."

It's not there yet."

Get the Story:
Federal Diary by Joe Davidson: Interior Department still has a way to go on the diversity front (The Washington Post 8/26)

Related Stories:
Federal Eye: Salazar launches Interior Department diversity plan (8/17)