No FEAR Act Notice
The Notification and Federal Employee Antidiscrimination and Retaliation Act of 2002 (No FEAR Act) requires federal agencies to be accountable for violations of antidiscrimination and whistleblower protection laws. The Act requires that federal agencies post statistical data relating to equal employment opportunity complaints on their public websites.
The Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Middle District of Pennsylvania is committed to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. All employees have the right to work in an environment where they are treated with dignity and respect.
Legal Authority: Notification and Federal Employee Antidiscrimination and Retaliation Act of 2002, Pub. L. 107-174
Equal Employment Opportunity
The Office of the Federal Public Defender is an equal opportunity employer. All personnel actions — including recruitment, hiring, promotion, training, and separation — are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or any other non-merit factor.
Employees and applicants who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint through the procedures outlined below.
How to Report Wrongful Conduct
If you believe you have experienced or witnessed discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or other wrongful conduct, you have several reporting options:
Internal Report — Office of the Federal Public Defender
Contact the Federal Public Defender, Alexandria J. Lappas, or the office's designated EEO counselor to report concerns internally.
Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts
The AO's Office of Human Resources, Oversight & Compliance Division handles EEO complaints for the federal judiciary and defender organizations.
Office of Judicial Integrity
Employees may report abuse, misconduct, or violations of workplace conduct rules to the Office of Judicial Integrity, an independent reporting mechanism for the federal judiciary.
Office of Inspector General
For reports of fraud, waste, abuse, or misconduct involving federal funds or programs.
Whistleblower Protections
Federal employees who report violations of law, gross mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety are protected under federal whistleblower protection laws.
Retaliation is prohibited.
It is a violation of federal law to retaliate against an employee for filing a complaint, reporting wrongful conduct, or participating in an investigation. If you believe you have been retaliated against, you should report it through the channels listed above.
Accessibility Statement
The Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Middle District of Pennsylvania is committed to making its website and services accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities. If you experience difficulty accessing any content on this site, please contact our office at (717) 782-2237 so we can assist you and work to improve accessibility.