Policies & Plans

At the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), we recognize that fostering diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in our workplace are critical elements to accomplishing our mission to understand, manage, and reduce risk to our cyber and physical infrastructure.  

CISA complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws, prohibits discrimination, and provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) for all employees and applicants, regardless of their protected bases of race, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender expression, gender identity and sexual orientation), national origin, religion, disability (physical or mental), age, protected genetic information and retaliation (including for engaging EEO activity, seeking requesting reasonable accommodation, and reasonably opposing EEO violations). Beyond EEO protected bases, parental status, political affiliation, and other non-merit-based factors are also covered under our anti-discrimination policy. 

This commitment to a workplace free from unlawful discrimination extends to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment, hiring, performance appraisals, pay, promotions, training and career development programs. These civil rights are not only employee and applicant rights by law, but they are also part of CISA’s Core Principle to “Foster Belonging, Diversity, Inclusion and Equality.” Read CISA Director Jen Easterly's complete EEO and Anti-Discrimination Policy Statement. 

CISA provides free aids and services to people with disabilities to communicate effectively with us, such as qualified sign language interpreters and written information in other formats (large print, audio, accessible electronic formats, other formats). If you need these services or information about reasonable accommodation, please see Reasonable Accommodations and Accessibility.

Learn more on how to raise antidiscrimination complaints based on these protections. 

Department of Homeland Security Anti-Harassment Policy Statement 256-06 establishes the policy to prohibit, prevent and promptly address prohibited harassment.  All allegations of known or suspected harassment must be reported without delay, meaning as soon as possible, but no later than the end of the business day in which you learn of any known or suspected harassment, per CISA Management Directive No. 2080-02.

Note: Reporting harassment to the Anti-Harassment Program (AHP) is not a substitute for initiating Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) process. AHP operates independently of the EEO process. Complaints may be filed concurrently.

CISA is dedicated to fostering a workplace where diversity and inclusion are fundamental principles. We believe that embracing individual and cultural differences enhances our strength as an organization and enables each employee to excel. Our commitment to prioritizing our people underscores our recognition that they are our greatest asset.

We understand the significance of our work in safeguarding the nation's infrastructure, defending against cyber threats, and ensuring reliable emergency communications. To effectively fulfill our mission, it is imperative that our workforce reflects the diversity of our nation. By cultivating an environment of mutual respect and inclusivity, we empower all employees to contribute their best efforts, not only because it's morally right but also because it's strategically wise.

Advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) requires concerted efforts to instill positive habits that nurture a culture of diversity. This entails improving our recruitment, hiring, development, promotion, and retention practices to eliminate barriers and attract diverse talent. We must also strive to understand, appreciate, and address the unique perspectives and challenges of our team members.

Open dialogue and proactive measures are essential in promoting equality and combatting biases within our organization. By fostering empathy and challenging exclusionary behavior, we can create a more inclusive environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

Recognizing our unconscious biases and actively working to overcome them is crucial in promoting inclusivity. By championing diversity at all levels of our agency, we not only fulfill a moral obligation but also cultivate a culture of excellence. Ultimately, by embracing diversity and inclusion, we can foster a deep sense of belonging and unity within our organization.

Read CISA's DEIA Strategic Plan for more details.

CISA is dedicated to promoting affirmative employment practices in accordance with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s Management Directive (MD)-715. As such, we are committed to creating a positive employee experience where all employees are valued, respected, and provided with equal opportunities for advancement and professional development. Our efforts include proactive recruitment, retention, and promotion strategies aimed at ensuring fair representation of highly qualified individuals who reflect the different demographic backgrounds of our great nation, which strengthens our workforce and enhances our ability to effectively fulfill our mission. See our Affirmative Action Plan.