NY National Guard Equal Opportunity Office

Equal Employment Program protects each of us from discrimination in employment, promotion, training and other personnel actions regardless of race, color, religion, gender including sexual harassment, national origin, age, mental and/or physical disability, or reprisal (for participating in protected EEO activity).

Who is covered?

EEO is for EVERYONE (not solely for protected groups); it’s the LAW!

If you are New York National Guard technician or military personnel, applicant for technician or military employment, and feel you are being discriminated against, please contact the State Equal Employment Manager (SEEM) office for assistance.

Special Observance

December Multi-faith

(24 November – 25 December 2018)

Multi-faith Calendar Highlights

Holy Day	Description	Impact to Personnel
ADVENT [Christian] 27 Nov – 24 Dec	The season of preparation for the coming of Christ, also the beginning of the Christian liturgical year.	Special worship services
ROHATSU, a.k.a., BODDHI DAY; BUDDHA’S ENLIGHTENMENT [Zen Buddhism] 1-8 Dec	Zen Buddhists honor Buddha’s enlightenment with an arduous retreat typically lasting a week.	Work restrictions – Adherents may seek to be excused from non-mission essential functions on 8 Dec or the week following.
ASHURAH, a.k.a., ASHOORA [Islam] 5 Dec (Mon)	This two-day fast is linked with several Islamic observances.	Food restrictions (optional fast) – Muslims may request permission to reduce or be excused from physical training (including PT Assessments) or limit their time outdoors.
SAINT NICHOLAS [Orthodox Christian] 6 Dec (Tue)	The feast honors Saint Nicholas.	Special worship – Orthodox Christians may seek permission to participate in the celebration.
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION [Catholic Christian] 8 Dec (Thu)	Catholics are morally obliged to observe the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception.	Special service – Catholics may request time for participating in the celebration of the Eucharist and abstaining from unnecessary “servile” work.
HANNUKKAH, a.k.a. FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS [Jewish] Sunset 2 Dec – Sunset 10 Dec *Dates change annually	Jews celebrate the rededication of the Temple by the Maccabees (167 B.C.E.) in their struggle against the Seleucids whose King Antiochus had attempted to suppress the religion of the Jews. Every evening another light is kindled in commemoration of the event.	Special celebration – Jews may seek permission to attend evening menorah lightings the eight nights and morning services.
YULE (Winter Solstice) [Wicca/Druid] 21 Dec (Wed)	It marks the beginning of many Pagan calendars In many Pagan traditions, the concept of rebirth is expressed through the birth of a Divine Child.	Special celebration – Wiccans and Druids (any Neo Pagans) on evening work shifts may request time off for High Day observances.
CHRISTMAS EVE & DAY [Christian] 24/25 Dec (Sat-Sun)	It marks the birth of Jesus Christ and the beginning of the feast of Christmas which lasts for 12 days, from the eve of Christmas Day to the eve of the Epiphany.	Special worship and work restriction – Christians may seek permission to participate in the celebration of the Eucharist on Christmas Day.

DEOCS Training Slides

NY National Guard Complaint Activity:

New York is proud to post the record of its compliance with the “Notification and Federal Employment Anti-Discrimination and Retaliation Act” (No FEAR Act):