FirstReport-GovExec.com.doc

 First Report R5 Women’s Settlement Agreement Monitoring Council Executive Summary The Donnelly v. Veneman Settlement Agreement was the culmination of seven years of litigation initiated by USDA Forest Service Region 5 women employees who alleged that they were the victims of sexual harassment, retaliation and hostile work environment. On February 6, 2001, the parties entered into a settlement agreement that included injunctive relief provisions aimed at bringing about culture change in Region 5. The provisions provided opportunities for professional development for women class members as well as for male employees. This report from the Monitoring Council was to be completed after the Settlement Agreement had been in place for nine months. As a result of personnel changes on the Monitoring Council and in the Regional Forester’s staff, the report will be provided 14 months after implementation of the Settlement Agreement. The Settlement Agreement requires the Region to provide Semi-Annual Reports on the status of compliance and effectiveness of some of the Injunctive Relief Provisions. The Monitoring Council’s report includes a review of the First Semi-Annual Report (July 2002) and the Second Semi-Annual Report (January 2003). Status of Compliance with the Settlement Agreement The Region’s lack of an organized effort to ensure successful implementation of the Settlement Agreement is reflected in its failure to implement some of the programs, failure to successfully manage others, and the failure to keep adequate records and analyze the effectiveness of each program. The continuing problems with complaints of sexual harassment, retaliation and hostile work environment that occurred during 2002 send a strong message that the Region (R-5) must act more quickly and forcefully in implementing the requirements of the Settlement Agreement in a way that will bring about culture change more quickly. The current situation does not reflect a strong commitment from