Affirmative Employment Program

The Affirmative Employment Program (AEP) was created to achieve the goals of a workforce that represents the American population we serve. The AEP requires managers and supervisors to develop strategies to effectively recruit, employ, and promote qualified members of target groups that have low participation rates when compared to the civilian labor force benchmark rates. 

The objective of the AEP is to implement as a management process to reduce/eliminate barriers that limit employment opportunities for members of a particular race, ethnic background, sex, or because of a disability.

The Office of Civil Rights fosters a work environment free of discrimination through Affirmative Employment, Accessibility Management, and Outreach Programs. AEP program goals are achieved through activities in multiple EEO program areas and purposeful collaboration with key stakeholders and leadership throughout the organization The programs include:

Management Directive 715:

  • Six Essential Elements of a Model EEO Program
    • Demonstrated Commitment from Agency Leadership
    • Integration of EEO into the Agency's Strategic Mission
    • Management and Program Accountability
    • Proactive Prevention of Unlawful Discrimination
    • Efficiency
    • Responsiveness and Legal Compliance
  • Barrier Analysis
  • Special Emphasis Programs
    • Special Observance Events

BLM Special Observances

  • ​January 15 - ​Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday​​
  • ​February - ​Black History Month
  • March - ​Women’s History Month
  • April - ​Holocaust Remembrance
  • May - ​Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Heritage Month
  • June - ​Pride Month
  • August 26 - ​Women’s Equality Day
  • August - ​Department of the Interior’s Diversity Day
  • ​September 15th – October 15th - ​Hispanic Heritage Month
  • October - ​National Disability Employment Awareness Month
  • November - ​Native American Heritage Month