{"id":27126,"date":"2018-11-01T21:09:13","date_gmt":"2018-11-01T21:09:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/navytimes\/uncategorized\/2018\/11\/01\/racial-bias-probed-at-coast-guard-academy\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T19:15:27","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T19:15:27","slug":"racial-bias-probed-at-coast-guard-academy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/navytimes\/news\/your-navy\/2018\/11\/01\/racial-bias-probed-at-coast-guard-academy\/","title":{"rendered":"Racial bias probed at Coast Guard Academy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

HARTFORD, Conn. \u2014 The Department of Homeland Security\u2019s inspector general is investigating allegations of racial discrimination at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy<\/a> and inadequate follow-up by the school\u2019s leadership, the agency said Thursday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The investigation will bring a new layer of scrutiny to the service academy that is already under pressure from Congress to address concerns about racial insensitivity, disparities in discipline<\/a> and the administration\u2019s handling of complaints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The probe began within the last few months and could take up to a year, Arlen Morales, a spokeswoman for the Office of Inspector General, told The Associated Press. It will look into how the academy responds to allegations of race or ethnicity-based discrimination. Ultimately, the academy will be required to provide a corrective action plan, with the inspector general’s office updating Congress on any shortcomings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney said the academy has made strides with mentoring programs and other initiatives to recruit and retain minorities but it is also clear work remains to be done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“It’s an issue that’s got to once and for all get fixed,” said Courtney, a Democrat whose district in eastern Connecticut includes the academy’s New London campus. “What I think is good about the IG’s office is they give perspective in terms of solutions. That would be welcome.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A spokesman for the academy said it was preparing a statement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the nation’s smallest service academies, the Coast Guard Academy is overseen by Homeland Security, unlike others such as the U.S. Military Academy and the Naval Academy that are run by the Defense Department. It enrolls over 1,000 cadets, who attend the school tuition-free and graduate as officers with a bachelor of science degree and a requirement to spend five years in the service.<\/p>\n\n\n\t