Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
The Notification and Federal Employee Antidiscrimination and Retaliation (No FEAR) Act was enacted by Congress in 2002 and became effective in 2003. It is designed to ensure federal agencies are accountable for violations of anti-discrimination and whistleblower protection laws.
The Act requires federal agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to notify current and former federal employees and applicants about their rights and protections. This includes rights related to pursuing claims under the federal equal employment opportunity complaint process and engaging in whistleblower activities without fear of retaliation.
Under the No FEAR Act, the CDC must post statistical data on equal employment opportunity complaints on its public website. Agencies must also provide managers with training on managing diverse workforces, conflict resolution, and essential communication skills.
The Act mandates federal agencies to monitor trends in discrimination complaints and implement measures to improve complaint handling and the workplace environment. Agencies must take timely disciplinary actions against those who engage in discrimination or retaliation.
Federal agencies are also responsible for reimbursing the Judgment Fund for settlements or judgments related to discrimination or whistleblower cases decided in federal court. Annual reports on No FEAR Act activities are submitted to Congress, the Attorney General, and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
For more information on the No FEAR Act and related CDC policies, consult the Office of Personnel Management and Department of Health and Human Services websites.