Footnote – Sexual Orientation Claim

Claims of discrimination based on sexual orientation, or reprisal for alleging discrimination on this basis, are processed only under the Department of Agriculture’s (the Department) internal EEO complaint process. See DR 4300-7. They are not covered by any Federal antidiscrimination statute. Consequently, there are no Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or other appeal rights with respect to these bases, and any Final Agency Decision pertaining to them will constitute a final adjudication