As the calendar turns, the Coast Guard gets closer to the end of October. Why is this month important? The answer is the Coast Guard’s Civil Rights Program Command Checklist, which commands with 50 or more positions must be completed by October 31, 2024. This annual tool is not just a requirement, but a powerful instrument that empowers Commanding Officers and Officers in Charge (CO/OIC) to lead successful civil rights programs. It helps them comply with Equal Employment Opportunity/Equal Opportunity (EEO/EO) laws, executive orders, and policies.
Local Civil Rights Service Providers (CRSPs) distribute the checklist to the appropriate units within their area of responsibility each year with essential updates for any new requirements. Commanders self-assess their civil rights programs to ensure compliance when they receive the checklist. For example, one prompt on the checklist might make leaders realize that they don’t have the most up-to-date Civil Rights posters or policy statements displayed, and another prompt might help them better recognize their workforce through civil rights awards. The checklist links pertinent civil rights information and resources such as the Coast Guard’s Civil Rights Manual or Reasonable Accommodation information. While the checklist helps guide COs and OICs, CRSPs are also available every step of the way to help.
If the Command notes any items on the checklist as non-compliant, they should collaborate with their local CRSP to create an action plan with an estimated completion timeframe. This action plan must be submitted with the checklist for all non-compliant items. Quarterly updates on the unit's progress towards meeting these goals are required. Once the deficiencies have been corrected, a follow-up report is then sent to the local Civil Rights office.
When commands across the Coast Guard provide their completed checklists back to their local CRSPs, they are compiled to identify trends or areas for improvement. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC) Management Directive-715 (MD-715) policy requires agencies to conduct an annual self-assessment. These assessments and numerous other metrics and initiatives, are compiled into a yearly MD-715 report to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the EEOC with measurements on how well the Coast Guard is meeting its objectives for creating a model EEO program.
The civil rights command checklist ensures the Coast Guard maintains effective programs of EEO/EO and plays an important part in strengthening the Service’s commitment to providing a respectful, equitable, and inclusive work environment that is free of discrimination. If you would like to know more, please reach out to your local CRSP.