July 17, 2024

“Living Our Truth” and Authenticity Define Coast Guard’s Pride Month Event

Coast Guard Headquarters observed LGBTQ+ Pride Month with a keynote address delivered by Raffi Freedman-Gurspan, Deputy Director of Public Engagement at the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT), on June 25, 2024. Freedman-Gurspan, who was adopted from Honduras and raised in Brookline, Massachusetts, shared her perspectives on

July 17, 2024

Juneteenth Means Freedom for All: Dr. Opal Lee Speaks at Coast Guard Celebration

“Juneteenth means freedom. And it means it for everybody. Not just Texans, not just Black folk, but for everybody. And we're not free yet.” Dr. Opal Lee delivered these words during her virtual appearance as the keynote speaker at the Coast Guard Headquarters' Juneteenth celebration on June 17th, 2024. Dr. Lee, also known as the “Grandmother of

July 17, 2024

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 Turns 60

On July 2nd, 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 into law, marking a historic moment in American history. This month, we celebrate the 60th anniversary of this pivotal legislation that prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. The Act also outlawed unequal application of

July 17, 2024

Coast Guard and EEOC Collaborate to Enhance EEO and Anti-Discrimination Efforts

To strengthen its commitment to workplace fairness and equal employment opportunity (EEO), the Coast Guard welcomed a technical assistance visit from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) on June 11, 2024. This review aimed to evaluate and help support the Coast Guard’s compliance with EEO laws and policies.  During the visit, leaders

June 20, 2024

Base Honolulu Lei Making Workshop Honors Cultural Traditions

Across the spectrum of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) cultures, traditions vary widely, each offering unique celebrations, customs, and practices. For example, May 1st holds significance worldwide as a day marked by festivals heralding the onset of Spring.  In Hawai’i, this date is observed as Lei Day, an annual

June 20, 2024

Coast Guard Honors AANHPI Heritage and Contributions in May

The Coast Guard celebrated Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month in May to honor the rich cultures and contributions of AANHPI communities to the Nation and military.  Vice Admiral Andrew Tiongson, Pacific Area Commander, served as a guest speaker at the Pentagon’s AANHPI celebration on May 15th. You can

June 20, 2024

The Coast Guard's Progress in Promoting Equal Employment Opportunity in FY23

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC) Management Directive 715 (MD-715) is a self-assessment to be conducted by federal agencies annually. It also establishes the guidelines for developing and maintaining effective equal employment opportunity (EEO) programs for federal agencies.  In FY23, the Coast Guard’s report showed that the

June 20, 2024

Explore a Civil Rights Special Assignment

As an Equal Opportunity Advisor within the Coast Guard, I play a crucial part in helping unit commanders foster a respectful and inclusive work environment. What’s helpful about this position is that it’s a Special Assignment—no prior civil rights experience is required. All EOA’s receive comprehensive civil rights training that equips us to be

June 20, 2024

Stay Informed: EEOC's Updated Harassment Guidelines

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which enforces rules against workplace harassment and discrimination, has updated its workplace harassment guidelines for the first time in 25 years, reflecting today’s modern workplace. These changes update the rules to protect LGBTQ+ workers and extend protections to remote work settings. The

June 20, 2024

What to Expect During Mediation

The Coast Guard’s Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process helps resolve Equal Employment Opportunity/Equal Opportunity (EEO/EO) conflicts quickly and efficiently. ADR involves a trained facilitator who helps the disputing parties reach an agreement through methods like mediation. In mediation, this facilitator, or mediator, is a neutral party