ACN 152/20 - DEC 2020 GENERAL ORDER PROHIBITING SEXUAL HARASSMENT

ALCOAST COMMANDANT NOTICE                           CANCEL DATE  30 DEC 2021

R 311030 DEC 20
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CCG//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS //N01600//
ACN 152/20
SUBJ:  GENERAL ORDER PROHIBITING SEXUAL HARASSMENT
A. COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC 071243 JAN 20/ACN 003/20
B. COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC 271447 AUG 18/ACN 085/18
C. Discipline and Conduct, COMDTINST M1600.2 (series)
D. U.S. Coast Guard Civil Rights Manual, COMDTINST M5350.4 (series)
1. This ACN reissues the general order in REF (A), originally promulgated in
REF (B), that prohibits sexual harassment and makes it a violation of the
Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). Sexual harassment has no place in
our Coast Guard -- period.
2. Our entire workforce shares the responsibility to ensure a work environment
free from sexual harassment. I direct all Coast Guard members to read the order
detailed below. I direct all unit commanders to discuss the details and
implications of this order, and the principles behind it, with all unit personnel.
3. Definition: Sexual harassment is unwelcomed sexual advances, requests for
sexual favors, and other conduct of a sexual nature, when:
   a. Submission to such conduct is made either implicitly or explicitly a term
or condition of employment;
   b. Submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as a basis for employment
decisions; or
   c. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an
individual’s work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive
working environment. This definition also includes unwelcomed display or
communication of sexually offensive materials. Physical proximity is not required.
Conduct may occur telephonically, virtually, or by way of other electronic means.
4. Order: The prohibition of Sexual Harassment is a punitive general regulation,
applicable to all personnel subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice,
10 U.S.C. § 801– 946 (as amended), without further implementation. A violation of
this prohibition is punishable in accordance with the Uniform Code of Military
Justice, 10 U.S.C. § 801 – 946 (as amended), specifically under Article 92(1)
(violation of or failure to obey a lawful general order or regulation).
REF (C) will be modified to include this General Order.
5. In addition, REF (D) articulates policy prohibiting sexual harassment that
applies to our entire workforce. I remain committed to a work environment free
from sexual harassment for all of our members, military and civilian. Off-duty
or non-duty behaviors that affect the workplace may also be considered sexual
harassment. The existing anti-harassment procedures in REF (D) are the generally
preferred means for addressing allegations of sexual harassment. Other tools,
including those that exist in the UCMJ, should be used in appropriate situations.
6. These changes will be incorporated into the next revision of REF (C), which
will be released  within the next year.
7. Points of Contact:
   a. Office of Military Personnel (CG-133) HQS-PolicyandStandards@uscg.mil; or
   b. Office of Military Justice, CAPT Vasilios Tasikas, COMDT (CG-LMJ),
(202) 372-3806, or Vasilios.Tasikas@uscg.mil; or
   c. Civil Rights Directorate 888-992-7387.
8. Released by Admiral Karl L. Schultz, Commandant.
9. Internet release is authorized.