Employees or applicants who believe that they have been discriminated against by the Smithsonian Institution (SI) have the right to file a complaint with the Office of Equal Employment and Minority Affairs (OEEMA).

Employees have the option of seeking assistance from the SAO EEO Counselors, the SI Office of Equal Employment and Minority Affairs (OEEMA) or discussing their concerns with an Ombudsman, or from the SAO Human Resources Department (HR). Employees should be aware that contact with the Ombudsman, or HR will not initiate the EEO complaint process.

Employees and applicants have the right to anonymity during the pre complaint stage. They have a right to be accompanied, represented, and advised by a representative of his or her own choosing at all stages of presenting his/her complaint, including the pre complaint counseling stage. If counsel or any other representation is retained, SAO EEO Office or OEEMA must be notified in writing immediately.

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