Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) refers to a set of practices intended to ensure people from a broad set of socio-demographic backgrounds are represented and able to thrive in a workforce; and an organization’s actions and services to the public that consider the needs and desired outcomes for all its stakeholders.
To fulfill its mission, Treasury has established the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (ODEIA) that will serve as a center of excellence to modernize the Department's overall DEIA strategy and drive cohesive implementation and accountability across the departmental offices and bureaus. The new structure allows for greater, more concentrated, and dedicated focus on civil rights compliance and mitigation, as well as DEIA accountability, competencies, and transparency.
Office of Civil Rights and Equal Employment Opportunity (OCRE)
The Office of Civil Rights and Equal Employment Opportunity (OCRE) is charged with ensuring equal employment opportunity for all Treasury employees and applicants and strives to foster a Model Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Program where employees feel valued, respected, and motivated to perform at their best. OCRE ensures compliance with the all enforcement statutes, regulations, or executive orders pertaining to civil rights. To eliminate discrimination and help resolve workplace conflicts, OCRE manages the Department's EEO Programs (EEO complaint and prevention of harassment/sexual harassment programs), and administers a robust alternative dispute resolution program. OCRE also manages the Department's External Civil Rights program ensuring nondiscrimination in programs and activities conducted by Treasury or that receive Treasury financial assistance. The External Civil Rights program enforces applicable statutes and regulations, and provides an effective means of addressing allegations of discrimination by members of the public who participate in such programs or activities.
Office of Minority and Women Inclusion (OMWI)
The Office of Minority and Women Inclusion (OMWI) was established by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank) signed into law in 2010 by President Obama. Treasury is one of eight financial agencies and twelve Federal Reserve banks to create Offices of Minority and Women Inclusion under the auspices of Section 342 of Dodd-Frank. Treasury’s OMWI is responsible for Treasury-wide* matters relating to diversity in management, employment, and business activities. Among its responsibilities, the Treasury OMWI is:
- required to develop standards for equal employment opportunity and the racial, ethnic, and gender diversity at all levels of the workforce and
- charged with seeking fair utilization of minority-owned and women-owned businesses in the programs and contracts of the agency.
*The purview of the Treasury OMWI does not duplicate or override efforts mandated under Dodd-Frank that are carried out by the Office of Minority and Women Inclusion in the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.
Equity Hub
The Equity Hub was created in 2022 and is charged with coordinating efforts to advance equity in all of Treasury’s work, including engaging with underserved and diverse communities throughout the country and identifying and mitigating barriers to accessing benefits and opportunities with the Department.