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Civil Rights Directorate


Civil Rights News | Oct. 16, 2024

Civil Rights Awareness Training Trends

By Toni Cunningham, Formal Complaints Manager, Civil Rights Directorate

The Civil Rights Directorate (CRD) has a robust Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) training program geared towards educating employers, employees and service members on relevant EEO laws, regulations and processes. The CRD is responsible for the mandatory triennial training that equips the workforce with the resources and knowledge to proactively improve command climate. Over the last three years, Civil Rights Service Providers (CRSP) presented in-person Civil Rights Awareness (CRA) training to over 54,000 total Coast Guard workforce members (Active Duty, Civilians, and Reservist). Specifically, in FY24 alone, CRSPs delivered training to 19,118 members.  
 
CRA training is consistently updated to reflect new policy changes or federal laws to keep the workforce aware of relevant topics such as the new Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA). Other topics covered range from complaint processes to reasonable accommodations to special emphasis programs, discrimination complaint process, policy statements, alternate dispute resolution, and social climate incidents.  In addition, CRA training provides those in leadership roles with the understanding and know-how to address all allegations of discrimination and harassment in accordance with applicable laws and policies.  
 
CRA training also serves as a preventative measure to help deter members and civilians from performing discriminatory acts and is intended to help decrease discriminatory activity in the Coast Guard. Providing the training in-person enables tailored discussions and teaching points to suit the specific audience, and through this education, it plays a vital role in reducing the Coast Guard’s EEO complaint rate. 
 
Active participation during training also provides a valuable opportunity to engage in discussions that help ensure the Service’s commitment to civil rights and equity goes beyond the training room and into the workforce’s everyday actions.  

You can access the latest CRA training schedule (CAC enabled) on the CRD’s website or contact your local CRSP for the schedule. 

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