Civil Rights and Diversity Hearing

Today, we had the opportunity to update Congress on how we continue to improve the Coast Guards Civil Rights and Diversity programs. The discussion centered around forward progress on the Coast Guard?s civil rights initiatives and the civil rights program realignment.

Yesterday, we announced our intention to deliver civil rights services through a centrally-managed structure by full-time, professionally trained specialists working out of three regional detachments that report directly to the Office of Civil Rights.

Workplace diversity for both civilian and uniformed personnel remains a top priority for the Coast Guard. While we outpace all other military services in the recruitment of women to our Coast Guard Academy and enlisted recruitment has improved significantly, stronger minority representation at all officer levels needs closer attention. Coast Guard Academy minority recruitment efforts will remain a top priority for us. We have received some innovative ideas from the U.S. Naval Academy Dean of Admissions, Mr. Stephen Latta, which we will embrace.

Written Testimony:

VADM Clifford Pearson's written testimony
Ms. Terri Dickerson's written testimony