Reaffirmation of "Valuing NASA Personnel"
NASA has long been committed to fostering a culture that is free of
discrimination and built on trust, respect, teamwork, communication,
empowerment, and commitment. The recent tragedies wrought by terrorist
attacks on our Nation have made this more important than ever before.
It is essential for us - as members of the NASA family - to rededicate
ourselves to a spirit of unity, respect for every individual, and support
for each other. This is what has made this Agency so strong and effective
through the years. As our Nation moves forward in the days and weeks
ahead, nothing must be allowed to diminish the unity of our NASA family
or the Nation as a whole.
Unfortunately, in the aftermath of these tragedies the Nation has witnessed
numerous acts of discrimination against Arab and Muslim Americans. While
we as individuals are angry and pained by recent events, we must not
direct our anger and pain toward individuals just because they are,
or we believe them to be, Muslim, or of Arab descent. None of us wants
to be stereotyped or targeted because of who we are, what we believe,
or a simple fact of birth.
As President Bush stated in his address to Congress and the Nation
in the aftermath of the attacks, America respects the faith of Muslim
Americans and Muslims throughout the world, as we respect all religious
faiths whose teachings are good and peaceful. These recent acts of discrimination
against Arab and Muslim Americans are examples of bigotry and prejudice
directed at particular individuals and their places of worship, based
solely on those individuals' ethnic background and religious belief.
These acts demonstrate, yet again, the insidious nature of discrimination
and harassment; in this case, discrimination based on national origin
and religion.
Therefore, I want to take this opportunity to emphasize that discrimination
must not be allowed to touch our NASA family in any way. In this vein,
I must reiterate that NASA has zero tolerance for bigotry, harassment,
stereotyping, and discrimination based on nonmerit factors.
I am calling on all NASA managers to rededicate themselves to providing
a civil work environment which gives every member of our NASA family
a feeling of security and mutual respect. Ensuring equal opportunity
for each of us to work and excel while on NASA premises continues to
be of paramount concern to me. Opportunity must be provided regardless
of race, color, age, sex, national origin, religion, or disability,
notwithstanding the current tragedy. We must all step up to the challenges
of our diverse workforce and our constantly changing world to recognize
the value of all of our employees.
It is with these concerns in mind that I reaffirm NASA's commitment
to ensuring equal opportunity and to fostering a culture of respect.
That respect must be built on trust, cooperation. That respect includes
valuing the individuality of all member of the NASA family and their
rich cultural, ethnic, and religious diversity. I ask each of you to
set the tone and lead by example in your workplace. I ask you to eliminate
all forms of prejudice, make sure that civility is practiced, and not
allow the course of events to alter in any way our commitment to unity
and to each other - no matter what difficulties and challenges may lie
ahead. I will do my part, and once again, I challenge you to do yours.
November 5, 2001
