May 3, 2011
C4C
Via FAX 202-219-3856
The Honorable Mary L. Kendall
The Coalition For
Acting Inspector General
Change, Inc. (C4C) Department of the Interior
P.O. Box 142 Office of Inspector General (OIG)
Washington DC 20044
1849 C Street, N.W., mail stop 4428
Washington, D.C. 20240
Philip Taylor
B.A., M.P.A. Dear Inspector General Kendall:
Acting President
This is in response to General Counsel Bruce Delaplaine’s letter of March 14,
Willie Berry, B.S.
2011 responding to The Coalition For Change’s (C4C) request that your office
Diversity Compliance Chair investigate the Department of the Interior, specifically its Office of Civil Rights and
the Solicitor’s office in their handling of the discrimination case known as Adam
Pierre v. Ken Salazar (EEOC Case Number 570-2008-00625X). We appreciate Mr.
Milton Hill Delaplaine’s reply and the updated information he shared with us regarding the Pierre
B.S., M.A., M.P.A.
Outreach Chair
case. However, we are disappointed that your office has decided not to investigate
whether the agency’s decision to prolong this case—through the appeals process, was
fiscally prudent in these troubled economic times when some are advocating a
Arthuretta Holmes‐Martin smarter, leaner and more efficient government.
B.S., M.S.
EEO Chair
The C4C does not believe the agency’s continued pursuit of this case is a prudent
use of agency resources and taxpayers’ funds. We believe the agency’s actions in
Cecil Paris this case could be categorized as “mismanagement.” After two rulings by the Equal
PMP, B.S. Employment Opportunity Commission, it is abundantly clear to all but those
Management and attorneys serving in the Solicitor’s Office, that an injustice was committed to Mr.
Organization Chair
Pierre, as well as to those African-American employees who suffered the indignity of
being called “monkeys” by Craig Littlejohn, Information Services chief in the Office
Anthony Perry of the Solicitor—who remains gainfully employed by the department.
CIO Cert. B.A., B.B.A, M.S.
This is why the C4C contacted your office. We believe there was and is a role
Paulette Taylor
A.A., B.A.
for the Office of Inspector General (OIG) at the Department of the Interior to fulfill
Civil Rights Chair its mission by investigating and determining whether the agency’s pursuit of this case
could be considered wasteful and abusive. We believe then, as we do now, that a
federal OIG has a responsibility to investigate and expose any wasteful spending by a
federal agency. We do not believe such oversight by your office would be
Diane Williams
B.A., M.S., J.D.
“interfering” with the legal process as you cited in your letter dated March 14, 2011.
Legislative Research Chair Rather, we believe that a thorough objective investigation of this matter by your
office would serve to encourage holding U.S. Department of Interior management
officials accountable for violations of, mismanagement, antidiscrimination and
Member of: whistleblower protection laws. Notably, the Department’s website cites OIG’s
mission as follows: “to provide independent oversight and promote excellence,
integrity, and accountability within the programs, operations, and management of the
www.coaltion4change.org Department of the Interior.” A reading of the website further discloses that your
C4C@coalition4change.org office is charged with identifying risks and vulnerabilities that directly impacts or
could impact the agency’s mission.
Members of the The Coalition For Change, Inc. (C4C) hope you understand why it
The Honorable Mary L. is essential that your office investigate the handling of this matter. In the spirit of
Kendall your mission, goals and the "Notification and Federal Employee Anti-discrimination
Acting Inspector
General (pg. 2) and Retaliation Act of 2002, it is most fitting that your office address this matter. As
you may be aware, Congress passed this act based upon findings that federal agencies
cannot run effectively if agencies practice or tolerate discrimination.
Sincerely,