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7338266
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President's Memorandum for Heads of Departments and Agencies on Equal Employment for Women and Minorities
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7338266
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document
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President's Memorandum for Heads of Departments and Agencies on Equal Employment for Women and Minorities
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White House Press Releases (Ford Administration)
Press Releases
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7338266
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6
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1975-03-06
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3
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1975
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673c72d4b535417f
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MARCH 6, 1975
Office of the White House Press Secretary
THE WHITE HOUSE
MEMORANDUM FOR:
HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS
AND AGENCIES
Chairman Hampton of the Civil Service Commission recently reported
to me on progress to assure equal opportunity in Federal employment.
I have also reviewed the most recent statistics on the employment of
minorities and women in the Federal Government.
Minorities and women have demonstrated their ability to compete
successfully under merit principles. Over one-fifth of the jobs in
Government agencies are held by Blacks, Spanish-speaking Americans,
American Indians and Asian Americans. Nearly one-third of all
Federal employees are women.
While I am encouraged by these figures, our efforts must continue.
For example, whthin the general schedule and similar grade groupings,
minorities represent only 5.2% and women only 4.5% of Federal
employees at GS 13 and above. I therefore want you to know how
I view equal employment opportunity. I urge you to provide strong
leadership in your own organization.
Our Nation's strength is based upon the concept of equal opportunity
for all our citizens. Decisions motivated by factors not related to
the requirements of a job have no place in the employment system
of any employer and particularly the Federal Government.
But more is required than non-discrimination and prohibition of
discriminatory practices. What is needed are strong affirmative actions
to assure that all persons have an opportunity to compete on a fair and
equal basis for employment and advancement in the Federal Government.
Affirmative action includes recruitment activities designed to reach
all segments of our society, fair selection procedures, and effective
programs of upward mobility so that all employees have the opportunity
to gain skills to enable them to compete for higher level positions.
Such actions are under way in the Federal Government. They must
be continued and expanded.
Although the Federal Government has employed large numbers of
minorities and women, vigorous efforts to assure equal employment
opportunity must continue, particularly in those geographical areas
and agencies and installations where more progress is needed. There
are program.aress. where special emphasis is needed. There is reason
to believe, for example, that the skills of the Spanish-speaking as a
group have not yet been fully tapped. Also, a much wider range of
employment opportunities for women can be opened. We cannot and
must not permit persons to be locked into jobs not commensurate
with their potential. I am looking t you and to every manager in the
Federal Government to assure that employees, without regard to
their race, national origin or sex, have an opportunity for advancement
in accordance with individual abilities.
Moreover, men and women of all racial and ethnic backgrounds must
be assured a fair opportunity to serve in positions where they can
make a maximum contribution and participate in the decision-making
process.
(MORE)
Digitized from Box 8 of the White House Press Releases at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
- 2 -
Equal employment opportunity doesn't just happen; it comes about
because managers make it happen. I want equal opportunity to
be reflected in every aspect of Federal employment. I have
called an Chairman Hampton of the Civil Service Commission to
keep me fully informed on an annual basis of the progress each
Federal department and agency is making in this regard. Increased
accountability on the part of Federal managers will help to promptly
identify deficiencies and strengthen our EEO program at all levels.
Just as we will not condone preferences in employment decisions
because of a person's race . ethnic origin or sex, we will not
tolerate failure to vigorously carry out affirmative actions in
support of equal employment opportunity. I am asking for your
personal commitment and active cooperation in assuring that the
American ideal of true equal employment opportunity is a reality
in the Federal Government,
Please make my views known to all employees and managers in
your organization. Their understanding of my objective is essential.
Their support is required.
GERALD R. FORD
THE WHITE HOUSE
MARCH 6, 1975
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