Civil Rights Directorate

Jan. 21, 2025

Understanding Informal Complaints: Your First Step Toward Resolution

All members of the Coast Guard workforce, as well as applicants for employment, have the right to engage in the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Equal Opportunity (EO) complaint process. This process is designed to provide a straightforward path to resolution.  Before filing a formal EEO/EO complaint, the process begins with the informal

Jan. 21, 2025

Building a Culture of Respect in the Coast Guard

Working for the United States Coast Guard highlights the importance of maintaining a professional and respectful workplace for everyone. Coast Guard missions require teamwork and trust among colleagues for the success of any operation, and workplace harassment whether physical, verbal, or emotional has no place in the Service. It can cause severe

Jan. 10, 2025

Equal Employment Opportunity as a Leadership Philosophy for Success

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) is more than a legal framework; it is a leadership philosophy that fosters a culture of fairness and respect in the workplace.  Leaders who embrace EEO principles recognize that equity is not just a compliance requirement—it is a key organizational asset. The fair treatment of employees fosters both organizational

Dec. 19, 2024

2024 Year in Review - Tracking Civil Rights Complaints and EEO/EO Coast Guard Workforce Trends

As part of the Civil Rights Directorate’s ongoing commitment to transparency, key Equal Employment Opportunity and Equal Opportunity (EEO/EO) statistics, along with other relevant data, is shared annually. This information encompasses a wide range of topics, providing valuable insights into Coast Guard EEO/EO activity.  Issues and Bases of

Nov. 18, 2024

Bridging Language Barriers

Did you know that the Civil Rights Directorate (CRD) oversees the Coast Guard’s Language Access Plan (LAP)? This important initiative ensures that individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP) can access Coast Guard programs, activities, and events. The plan covers Coast Guard interactions with limited English speakers across the U.S., its

Nov. 18, 2024

Timeline to Resolution

As a Civil Rights Service Provider (CRSP) and Civil Rights Awareness training instructor, I am often asked about the complexities of the Equal Employment Opportunity/Equal Opportunity (EEO/EO) discrimination complaint process. One topic that I frequently dedicate significant time to is discussing the complaint process graphic (pictured at the end

Oct. 16, 2024

Civil Rights Awareness Training Trends

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

Oct. 16, 2024

Protected Status Explained

You may have heard the phrase “Protected Status” before and wondered how it applies to you or your colleagues. Protected Status refers to categories that defend Coast Guard military members, civilian employees, and applicants for employment from unlawful discrimination and harassment on the basis of:  Race  Color  Religion  Sex National

Sept. 16, 2024

Age is Just a Number

Age discrimination occurs when an applicant or employee is treated unfairly due to their age. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) of 1967 protects workers over the age of 40 against such negative treatment and was established to ensure they are evaluated based on their abilities and skills, not their age. Age discrimination in the

Sept. 16, 2024

Tips for Handling Workplace Discrimination

It’s easy to think that we work in an environment where discrimination never occurs, especially if we are not the ones being discriminated against. In reality, it does occur, and in many cases, workplace discrimination results in relationships being destroyed, careers being impacted, and mental health being diminished. It’s imperative to understand