Special Emphasis Programs
What are Special Emphasis Programs?
Special Emphasis Programs are management programs established to ensure equal employment opportunity for minorities, women and individuals with disabilities in various categories and occupations and in all organizational components throughout the DoDEA. The EEO Special Emphasis Programs include the following:
- Federal Women's Program (FWP)Â
This program was established to implement a recommendation of the President's Committee on the Status of Women and was later integrated into the Federal EEO Program after the issuance of E.O. 11478 (August 1969). The activities of the FWP focus on employment needs and issues of women as they relate to Federal personnel policies, practices, and equal program delivery.
 - Hispanic Emphasis Program (HEP)Â
This program was established initially by a Presidential Directive in 1970 as a Sixteen-Point Program for Spanish-Speaking Americans. It was designed to assure consideration of the needs and concerns of persons of Hispanic origin in all aspects of Federal personnel management and program delivery. Hispanics are persons of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central or South American or other Spanish culture or origin, regardless of race.
 - Disability Emphasis Program (DEP)Â
Organized action plans and procedures, which promote equal program delivery and the hiring, placement and advancement of employees with disabilities. The Selective Placement Program has its modern origins in P.L. 89-554, codified as 5 USC 7153 and Presidential policy statements and regulations issued pursuant thereto. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued instructions (501) on affirmative action plans for the handicapped.
 - African-American or Black Emphasis Program (BEP)
The purpose of this program is to provide focus on issues such as equal program delivery and employment, promotion, training and career enhancement affecting Black employees and applicants in our agency.
 - American Indian Emphasis Program (AIP)
The purpose of this program is to provide focus on issues such as equal program delivery and the employment, promotion, training and career enhancement affecting American Indian employees and applicants in our agency.
 - Asian Pacific Islander Emphasis Program (APIP)
The purpose of this program is to provide focus on issues such as equal program delivery and employment, promotion, training and career enhancement affecting Asian American employees and applicants in agency.
A fair and respectful environment is a hallmark of the modern and productive organization. Successful businesses welcome diverse personnel and maintain a fair environment not just to fulfill Equal Employment Opportunity requirements, but to reap the benefits of fresh perspectives and increased vitality.
Tensions in working relationships can come from many places - stereotypes, prejudices, sexual attraction, cultural differences, and ignorance - to name a few. But wherever they may come from they can lead to distracted employees, confused managers, unproductive rumors, costly litigation, and EEO violations.
The solution? Clear, consistent, direct messages sent through training.
Cultural Awareness and Educational Observances
The Department of Defense (DOD) celebrates ten ethnic observances annually in support of Joint Congressional Resolution, Presidential Proclamation, and achievements of all groups that comprise the society of the United States. Since 1968, the DOD has supported ethnic observances through the development of local programs of recognition and many diverse activities. Activities are designed to enhance cross-cultural awareness and promote harmony among all military members, their families, and the civilian work force.Â
