Overview
It is the policy of the Virgin Islands National Guard to foster a respectful and inclusive environment in which all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) is a strategic imperative necessary to enable a Ready, Relevant, and Responsive force, capable of successfully achieving the Virgin Islands National Guard's domestic mission, in support of the governor, and federal missions in support of the president.
The mission of the Office of Equal Employment is to prevent and remedy unlawful employment discrimination and advance equal opportunity for all in the workplace. Our vision is to provide a respectful and inclusive workplace with equal opportunity for all. This policy applies to Virgin Islands National Guard federal Technicians (Title-32), Civilian employees (Title-5), applicants for employment, former employees and certain contractor/contingent employees. This policy applies on and off Virgin Islands National Guard installations, online, and during duty and non-duty hours.
Unlawful Discrimination
Unlawful discrimination refers to unfair or unequal treatment of an individual (or group) based on certain characteristics. It is illegal to discriminate against or harass an employee or job applicant because of the person's race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including sexual harassment, pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), age (40 or older), disability (mental or physical), and genetic information. It is also illegal to retaliate against a person because the person complained about discrimination, filed a charge of discrimination, or participated in an employment discrimination investigation or lawsuit. The laws apply to all types of work situations, including hiring, firing, promotions, harassment, training, wages, and benefits.
Compliance
The Virgin Islands National Guard will not condone or tolerate offensive behavior that degrades good order and discipline. Compliance with this policy is a leadership function at every level.
File a Complaint
You must contact the Office of Equal Employment within 45 calendars day of the alleged discriminatory action for the complaint to be considered timely. When you initiate an EEO complaint, you should identify an issue relating to a term, condition, or benefit of employment along with the reason or basis(es) of discrimination. Submitting a Department of Defense Form 2655 will assist in initiating this process. If you believe you have experienced unlawful discrimination by the Virgin Islands National Guard, you can call the Office of Equal Employment at (340) 712-7751, or come in to the Joint Force Headquarters building, office #124, during duty hours.
Major Daniel L. Kahlhamer
Equal Employment Manager