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 A monthly publication of the U.S. Coast Guard Civil Rights Directorate
July 2024, Volume 19, Issue 7
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COAST GUARD AND EEOC COLLABORATE TO ENHANCE EEO AND ANTI-DISCRIMINATION
 To enhance workplace fairness and equal employment opportunities, the Coast Guard hosted a technical assistance visit from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The visit evaluated the Coast Guard’s Equal Employment Opportunity compliance, highlighting strengths and identifying areas for improvement.
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COAST GUARD POLICIES PROMOTE EQUITY AND RESPECT IN THE WORKPLACE
 With the release of the updated Equal Opportunity and Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy Statements, the Coast Guard reaffirms its commitment to an equitable and inclusive work environment. The new policies address fair treatment, pregnancy accommodations, and the importance of reporting harassment, urging all personnel to foster a culture of trust and support.
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JUNETEENTH MEANS FREEDOM FOR ALL: DR. OPAL LEE SPEAKS AT COAST GUARD CELEBRATION
 Dr. Opal Lee, a pivotal figure in making Juneteenth a federal holiday, delivered an inspiring keynote at the Coast Guard's Juneteenth celebration. Dr. Lee emphasized the significance of the holiday and the ongoing fight for freedom and equality.
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COAST GUARD ACHIEVES MILESTONE IN BARRIER ANALYSIS
The Coast Guard recently completed the next phase of its barrier analysis process by conducting over 60 focus groups between May and June 2024. The Civil Rights Directorate invited 592 Coast Guard members to participate, and around 300 members actively contributed by providing their insights and experiences about various obstacles or challenges they might face as members of the Coast Guard workforce. The 50% participation rate represents a high level of involvement from the workforce, and we would like to thank all participants who shared their perspectives. Their contributions are crucial in identifying barriers to equality and developing practical solutions to address them. This effort marks a pivotal step towards fostering a more inclusive and equitable Coast Guard.
As we move forward, our contracting partners who conducted the focus groups will use the information gathered from the participants to identify themes that can help inform future policies, procedures, and practices. After analyzing the research materials and clues that could find potential barrier(s), the Coast Guard will then develop and implement a plan of effective activities to eliminate any identified barrier(s).
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"LIVING OUR TRUTH" AND AUTHENTICITY DEFINE COAST GUARD'S PRIDE MONTH EVENT
Coast Guard Headquarters celebrated LGBTQ+ Pride Month with a keynote address from Raffi Freedman-Gurspan, a pioneering advocate for LGBTQ+ and gender equality. Sharing her personal journey and the importance of living authentically, Freedman-Gurspan highlighted the progress made and the ongoing fight for inclusivity. After the event, she also led a ribbon cutting ceremony that formally introduced the Coast Guard Spectrum National Capital Region Chapter.
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THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964 TURNS 60
Celebrating its 60th anniversary this month, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson, prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. This landmark legislation helped shape America's pursuit of equality and justice.
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SUMMER IS PARTNERSHIP IN EDUCATION TRANSITION TIME
During the summer, the Coast Guard’s Partnership In Education (PIE) Program will perform a number of tasks in preparation for the new school year. Most significant are the following:
- Evaluate the 2023/2024 year PIE program performance.
- Receive nominations and select winners for the PIE program awards.
- Develop and deliver orientations for new Commanding Officers and PIE Coordinators.
If you are Commanding Officer or PIE Coordinator for a Coast Guard unit, you are encouraged to:
- Enter all partnerships and partnership activities for your unit into the current program spreadsheets located on the PIE Hub.
- Nominate your unit for a PIE Program Award by August 9th. For nomination instructions, see ALCOAST 251-24.
- Plan on attending a PIE Program orientation for new Commanding Officers or PIE Coordinators.
For orientation schedules or any questions about the PIE program, please contact Edward Stoker at PIE@uscg.mil
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Lt. Justin Townsend Receives 2024 Society of American Indian Government Employees Award
It’s seldom you meet a person who practices what they preach. Lt. Justin Townsend is such a person — committed to sharing and educating others about his American Indian culture while “walking the walk” as an active role model for our youth. That’s why Townsend has been awarded the 2024 Society of American Indian Government Employees (SAIGE) award at a ceremony in Spokane, Wash. The SAIGE Military Meritorious Award recognizes those who serve in uniform (or have previously served) who have contributed beyond the mission while promoting American Indian and/or Alaskan Native culture.
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Civil Rights Quick Links:
Please email patrick.j.ferraris@uscg.mil with potential submissions or questions about the newsletter. Thank you!
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