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Return to Article: House passes SES diversity legislation

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  Perhaps the House can now pass some legislation to improve the diversity in the House of Representatives? How about for GS-15s, GS-14s, GS-5s? How about astronauts? Is there still racism in America? Yes. Do we want to have race trump merit? I don't think so. I do not have any confidence that this legislation will improve anything.

  Thad Posted June 13, 2008 8:50 AM
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  Quotas have been ruled as illegal by the Supreme Court so we have our new congress trying to pass legislation that flies in the face of the ruling. Why not just post signs on the web and personnel activities that "white men need not apply". We're not interested in a quality workforce but quotas. This type of direction sets civil rights back to the 60's. I'm waiting for the fire hoses and dogs to attack white men as they enter public building or separate entrances, white men must enter form the rear

  Dan ketter Posted June 10, 2008 11:15 AM
• 51992
  

  Well, let's see.

  *National Association of Hispanic Federal Executive. *Three-person panels composed of at least one woman and one racial or ethnic minority. *African American Federal Executive Association. *Federally Employed Women. *Language encouraging agencies to include women, minorities and people with disabilities.

  I guess married, caucasion, able-bodied, males aren't included in diversity. I see my career path ending abruptly.

  Bob Posted June 10, 2008 8:14 AM
• 51991
  

  While gender and race have nothing to do with job performance, there are many occasions in which the best candidate is simply not selected due to their gender or race. A fair and balanced approach would encourage more diversity in the selection process. The ultimate goal of the legislation is to increase minority representation, however, the best candidate should ALWAYS be chosen, no matter the race or gender.

  TAM Posted June 10, 2008 8:08 AM
• 51987
  

  All things being equal sex and race are not more important than skill set. Even Stevie Wonder can see things are not equal! I am a 20 year veteran with a MBA and I maintain an outstanding every year and my name did not leave the agency for the SES candidate program. I will apply again this year and maybe this SES diversity legislation will help. For people of color and women this provides hope!

  Mark Rucker Posted June 10, 2008 7:52 AM
• 51985
  

  None of those characteristics have anything to do with education, qualifications, talent, and experience. People in government wonder why they are having a hard time with recruiting and retaining top talent... no one likes a system that rewards your hard work with "quotas" no matter who you are

  David Posted June 10, 2008 7:44 AM
• 51979
  

  We have sufficient diversity legislation in place. This is completely unnecessary and I am appalled that it will create an office of highly paid staff to oversee a process that should be a given, especially at that level. In addition, there shouldn't be anyone so naive to think that a panel will be able to eliminate a prerequisite - to get into the Senior Executive Service you have to be connected, no matter whether you are vying for a career appointment or looking to be a political appointee. Let's not fool ourselves.

  Tax Payer Posted June 10, 2008 6:35 AM
• 51934
  

  Pay for Performance vs. Diversity Legislation: shouldn't these two be mutually exclusive? Can we get some consistency here? While true that diversity legislation can exist within Pay for Performance, the latter is most likely degraded at the intersection point. In other words, the best candidate should get the job, in my humble opinion.

  I feel it will be up to the next generation to finally interpret and implement fair and balanced in the form of merit-based advancement, instead of demographically proportionate appointment. However, it is my intention to be just in everything I think and do, and I am always open to opposing, or simply different, perspectives, so if I should see this in a different light, please help me see it. Otherwise, call me a radical, but I believe gender and race have nothing to do with job performance, therefore introducing diversity legislation only perpetuates social inequality.

  Addendum Posted June 9, 2008 10:17 AM
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  Pay for Performance vs. Diversity Legislation: shouldn't these two be mutually exclusive? While true that diversity legislation can exist within Pay for Performance, the latter is degraded to the point of mockery at the intersection point. Is consistency too much to ask for?

  BB Posted June 9, 2008 9:45 AM
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  The legislative road seems to be an unfortunate indication of the continuous struggles we have in America. I have witnessed too many bright minorities passed over for sub-prime candidates. It seems the road to fairness was designed through the Constitution, but we find oursves legislating fairness, safety, health, etc.

  Willie Posted June 9, 2008 9:38 AM
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  Is sex and race more important than skill sets? My impression is that some sexist and racist leaders with their respective organizations feel that their members are inadequate to the point that they have to use legislation to solve what they can't accomplish with job performance.

  Ted Taylor Posted June 5, 2008 9:41 AM