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 A monthly publication of the U.S. Coast Guard Civil Rights Directorate
August 2024, Volume 19, Issue 8
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SCHEDULE A: THE ROUTE TO INCLUSIVE HIRING
 The Schedule A hiring authority allows the Coast Guard to fill positions quickly and effectively while providing a unique opportunity for job seekers with disabilities to gain federal employment without competing against the general public, as long as they meet the job qualifications. By utilizing this tool, the Coast Guard demonstrates its commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive work environment.
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COMMAND CHECKLIST SUBMISSION DATE APPROACHES
 Don’t miss the deadline: The Coast Guard’s Civil Rights Command Checklist is due by October 31, 2024, for commands with 50 or more positions. This tool helps leaders ensure their civil rights programs are fully compliant with EEO/EO laws and highlights areas for improvement.
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EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP FLOURISHES: COAST GUARD'S PIE PROGRAM 2023-2024 HIGHLIGHTS
 The Coast Guard’s Partnership in Education (PIE) Program had a phenomenal year in 2023-2024, forming 359 school partnerships—a 63.9% increase from the previous year—and reaching over 70,000 students!! This increase highlights the program’s growing impact and strengthens the Coast Guard’s connection with the communities it serves.
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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY DISABILITY ALLIANCE EMPLOYEE ASSOCIATION
Make a difference and improve the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for people with disabilities! Come join the DHS Disability Alliance Employee Association!
The DHS Disability Alliance is founded on the belief that DHS benefits in creating a work environment that allows all employees to shine, and given the opportunity, to advance through the ranks. Differences in experience and cognition can enrich the organization and increase its effectiveness and productivity. While the DHS Disability Alliance recognizes both the challenges and social barriers disability presents to many employees, the organization aims to also focus on the possibilities and the potential of each person.
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THE ROLE OF THE NO FEAR ACT IN THE COAST GUARD
 The No FEAR Act, signed into law in 2002, holds federal agencies accountable for upholding anti-discrimination, anti-retaliation, and whistleblower protections. The Coast Guard must provide annual updates, training, and report on their efforts to prevent and address discrimination and retaliation. The Elijah E. Cummings Federal Antidiscrimination Act in 2020 amendment further strengthens these protections by requiring agencies to post final decisions on discrimination cases online. Read the full article to see how these laws contribute to a fairer, more transparent workplace.
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EPIC HERTAGE BALL A RESOUNDING SUCCESS
 The Enlisted Professionals in Connection (EPIC) Coast Guard Affinity Group held its EPIC Heritage Ball at the beautiful Langley Officers Club, with its stunning view of the Fox Hill area of Hampton, Virginia. The evening was filled with pride, inspiration, and joy. We enjoyed songs that made us proud, speeches that inspired us, and music that moved us. The night was alive with dancing, meaningful conversations, and valuable networking among diverse attendees of all ages, races, and ranks. We were honored to have notable guests such as RDML Zeita Merchant, Ms. Joan Collins from the Pea Island Preservation Foundation, the 8th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Vince Patton, the Mayor of Portsmouth, RADM Erroll Brown, VADM Manson Brown, and representatives from the Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce. With a total of 230 attendees, the event generated $23,000 in sponsorships and donations, and a surplus of $13,000 that will further EPIC’s mission and vision. EPIC’s mission is to build meaningful relationships for the purpose of personal and professional growth and development of underrepresented communities in the Coast Guard enlisted workforce. Our vision is to improve the human experience for these communities as well. For more information about EPIC, please visit us at https://werepic.com/. Submitted by PO1 Jerome Kennedy. Photos by Chandra Towe.
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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS TO THE CIVIL RIGHTS DIRECTORATE
Keith R. Wainwright joins the Solutions and Complaints Division as the new Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Specialist. A U.S. Air Force Veteran, Mr. Wainwright is a graduate of Pepperdine Caruso School of Law, where he specialized in mediation and dispute resolution. Following his graduation, he founded a consulting firm that assisted businesses with formation, grant writing/submission, compliance, and workplace - culture development. His visionary approach has led to the creation of numerous programs across the United States focused on business development and mediation. Currently residing in Southern California with his wife and three children, Mr. Wainwright spends his free time coaching basketball, boxing, and theater, and enjoys reading a good book whenever possible.
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LTJG Whitney Freeman is the newest Equal Opportunity Advisor stationed in Region 3, Zone 11, Alameda, California. LTJG Freeman has been active duty in the Coast Guard for 10 years. She started her career as a non-rate at Station Milwaukee before attending MK A School. At her first rated assignment, Station Two Rivers, she successfully applied for the College Student Pre-Commissioning Program and moved to California to attend Sacramento State University. Upon graduating with a degree in Political Science, LTJG Freeman went to Officer Candidate School and earned her commission and orders to CGC Northland before accepting the Executive Officer position aboard CGC Robert Ward. She enjoys spending time with her family, her two miniature dachshunds, and being in the beautiful California outdoors.
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Brandon McCray joins the CRD team from the U.S. Treasury Department Office of Civil Rights and will be serving in the Civil Rights Analyst Role. Mr. McCray spent 20 years in the United States Navy where he served as the Command Equal Opportunity Manager, among various other roles. While in the Navy, he earned a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources and obtained Green Belt Lean Six Sigma certification. Outside of work, Mr. McCray is a certified High School Football Official who is passionate about the game. He aspires to officiate at the collegiate and hopefully the NFL level someday. When not on the football field, he enjoys traveling and spending quality time with his family.
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SUPPORTING YOUNG MINDS AND ENGAGING THE COMMUNITY
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During the 2024 National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Convention, July 11-14, 2024, in Las Vegas, NV, the Coast Guard and Civil Rights Directorate proudly advanced the Service’s commitment to networking, partnerships, and positive recruitment. Coast Guard representatives from several offices engaged with executive and community leaders such as Maryland Governor Wes Moore; met with local representatives from historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and other educational institutions; and connected with professionals in fields related to maritime security, technology, and logistics.
These connections served as a way to increase community development and education outreach and provided opportunities to raise awareness about the Coast Guard mission and the diverse roles and career opportunities within the organization. A budding relationship formed with the NAACP’s Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological, and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO) competition. This is a program that offers a unique platform for young individuals to showcase their talents in various fields, from visual arts and business to performing and culinary arts. Through this connection, the Coast Guard is investing in the future of bright scholars and can inspire and empower the next generation, ensuring they have the tools and opportunities to succeed. Contributors: Dante Barnes, Civil Rights Directorate, CWO-3 Dale Warner, and CWO-3 Brandon Jacobs, Surface Forces Logistic Center. Courtesy Photo.
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UPCOMING SPECIAL OBSERVANCES
 Join Coast Guard Headquarters on Monday, August 26th from 10:00am to 11:00am Eastern for a Women's Equality Day panel discussion. The panelists will include Rear Adm. Tiffany Danko, Senior Reserve Officer to the U.S. Coast Guard, Rear Adm. Zeita Merchant, Commander, Personnel Service Center, and Capt. Jennifer Bowden, Chaplain of the U.S. Coast Guard. They will engage in discussions that relate to the event's theme of "Inspire Inclusion: How Do We Get Beyond 'First' To Equitable Representation?"
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Civil Rights Directorate Quick Links:
Please email patrick.j.ferraris@uscg.mil with potential submissions or questions about the newsletter. Thank you!
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