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 A monthly publication of the U.S. Coast Guard Civil Rights Directorate October 2024, Volume 19, Issue 10
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NAVY REAR ADM. DENNIS VELEZ SHARES JOURNEY TO SERVICE DURING HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
 Coast Guard Headquarters celebrated National Hispanic Heritage Month with a discussion led by Rear Adm. Jason Tama and Navy Rear Adm. Dennis Velez, highlighting this year’s theme, "Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together." Velez, reflecting on his Puerto Rican heritage, shared insights on leadership and the value of treating others with dignity and respect. Pictured: Navy Rear Adm. Dennis Velez (right) answers a question from Coast Guard Rear Adm. Jason Tama (left) during Coast Guard Headquarters' National Hispanic Heritage Month event.
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THE INTERSECTION OF CIVIL RIGHTS AND POLITICAL DISCRIMINATION
 As election season nears, it's important for the Coast Guard workforce to know the legal boundaries around political activities and protections against political discrimination.
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COMMAND CHECKLIST DUE OCTOBER 31
October 31st is the deadline for commands with 50 or more positions to complete the Coast Guard’s Civil Rights Program Command Checklist, a tool that empowers Commanding Officers and Officers in Charge (CO/OIC) to lead successful civil rights programs. It helps them comply with Equal Employment Opportunity/Equal Opportunity (EEO/EO) laws, executive orders, and policies.
Civil Rights Service Providers (CRSPs) are available to assist units with understanding and meeting the checklist's requirements, so please contact your local CRSP for any questions.
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OCTOBER IS NATIONAL DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). Held annually, NDEAM educates the Nation about disability employment topics and celebrates the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities. Although national in scope, NDEAM’s true spirit lies in the many observances held at the grassroots level where federal agencies and employers of all sizes and in all industries can take part.
For specific ideas about how the Coast Guard workforce can support NDEAM and disability employment issuess throughout the year, visit dol.gov/NDEAM. Suggestions can range from simple, such as putting up a poster (English | Spanish), to comprehensive, such as implementing a disability education program. Regardless, all play an important part in fostering a more accessible and equitable workforce, one where all people are recognized for their abilities—every day of every month.
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CIVIL RIGHTS AWARENESS TRAINING TRENDS
 Over the past three years, Civil Rights Service Providers have provided training to over 54,000 Coast Guard workforce members on essential Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) topics. Find out how Civil Rights Awareness Training supports a more inclusive workplace and its other positive impacts.
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PROTECTED STATUS EXPLAINED
 Protected status defends Coast Guard members, civilian employees, and job applicants from employment discrimination based on race, religion, sex, and more. While civilian employees are fully covered under federal laws like Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, military members face certain exceptions due to the Coast Guard’s unique operational needs. Read the full article for more insights and guidance. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jennifer A. Nease)
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FOUR COAST GUARD MEMBERS RECOGNIZED BY LATINA STYLE

The Coast Guard is proud to announce the 2024 LATINA Style Distinguished Military Service Award recipients:
- LTJG Marlianne Hudson, Inspections/Prevention, Sector Maryland/National Capital Region
- CPO Cristina Berrios, Alternate Recruiter-in-Charge, Recruiting Office San Diego
- Susana Torres, Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC), District 17
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Cadet Second Class (2/c) Kayla Villegas Sanchez, Coast Guard Academy
This recognition honors women in the military and civilian workforce across the DoD and Coast Guard, including cadets from military academies, who have influenced and enhanced the role of Latinas and Hispanic Americans throughout their respective organizations during the performance period of June 2023 to June 2024.
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JOIN US THROUGHOUT CONFLICT RESOLUTION MONTH
October is Conflict Resolution Month, a great time to focus on building and enhancing the skills needed for effectively resolving workplace conflicts. Throughout the month, please join us and DHS Civil Rights and Civil Liberties in celebrating by participating in several learning opportunities or accessing resources to raise awareness and develop important conflict resolution skills. Conflict is a natural part of every work environment, but when managed well, it can keep working relationships strong and healthy leading to increased productivity and put focus back on the mission. Access a schedule of events, videos, training opportunities and all of the Conflict Resolution Month resources.
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Civil Rights Directorate Quick Links:
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