Is it EO to harrass someone based off of a specific characteristic of an individual (example, making fun of someone's nose, lips, eyebrows)?

2018-07-26T18:30:22-04:00

Im just trying to understand the parameters of EO. What is the difference to mistreat someone based off of their skin then any other feature. Our genetic backround makes up our features, so how is it different. Im told by my superiors its not EO. So skin color is the exception. No other genetic features have any relevance? Please someone help me to understand?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2018 6:33 PM

2018-07-26T18:33:54-04:00

Yes, it is a violation of EO. It is covered under “treatment of persons” and your unit commander should also have a policy letter in place that addresses issues such as this.

Response by PO1 Tony Holland made Jul 27 at 2018 2:15 AM

2018-07-27T02:15:23-04:00

Why should any form of personal insult be considered legitimate or humorous?

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jul 27 at 2018 9:14 AM

2018-07-27T09:14:09-04:00

Why in the Hell, would you want to make fun of someone unless its a close friend? Harassing anyone is foolish and can lead to opening a can of whoopass. I suggest you flippin grow up and leave the HS crap behind- you are in the Army now, not grade school.

Response by SPC Sheila Lewis made Jul 27 at 2018 9:22 AM

2018-07-27T09:22:14-04:00

The next rank up is what You should be focused on.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2018 10:44 AM

2018-07-27T10:44:25-04:00

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2018 10:48 AM

2018-07-27T10:48:57-04:00

Fort Hood does in fact have a policy letter, #4, from the CG about treatment of fellow soldiers. You need to look it up.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2018 11:01 AM

2018-07-27T11:01:39-04:00

These are the protected categories of EO: race, color, national origin, religion, sex (gender) and sexual orientation was added in 2015.

You can report anything to EO - the EOL or EOA will investigate it and they will determine if it's founded or unfounded. Go talk to your company or BN EOL and see what they say. If you have to go higher like BDE.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 27 at 2018 5:03 PM

2018-07-27T17:03:48-04:00

About Equal Opportunity. The Equal Opportunity (EO) program formulates, directs, and sustains a comprehensive effort to maximize human potential and to ensure fair treatment for all based solely on merit, fitness, and capability which all support readiness. It also includes the protective classes.

Response by SFC Francisco Rosario made Jul 27 at 2018 5:11 PM

2018-07-27T17:11:43-04:00

As a former Equal Opportunity Advisor (EOA), i would have to say no. This is not an EO violation since it does not fall into any of the five protected categories. However it will fall under treating some one dignity and respect. However i will caution you, while it is not cool or appropriate to make fun of others physical features, before you make an issue, you need to make sure that you have not done the same before to others.

I say this because i had a soldier come to me with a similar complaint, only to find out that he had been doing the same thing to others. The problem began when he didnt like the fact that it was done to him. either way it was wrong on all parties involved. But as i told the unit in a class, treat others as you would like to be treated.

EO is about being discriminated based on the five protected categories:

Race
Ethnicity
Gender
National Origin
Religion

If you want more information, i would recomend that you look at the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute (DEOMI) website. This where all the EOAs in all the military services go to school. I hope this helps.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2018 5:59 PM

2018-07-27T17:59:04-04:00

Thank you all for your opinions and support.

Response by SSG Nathan Blair made Jul 28 at 2018 7:02 PM

2018-07-28T19:02:00-04:00

Not so much, no. Have you got Dumbo ears?? Did your 1SG hurt your widdle feelwings??? Do you need your stress card??? Do you need to go see the chaplain??? Personally I think the forces are way to lenient on troops today. You are trained to be lifetakers and heart breakers. What, are you going to combat with your woobie and pull out a freaking stress card when the bullets start flying??? *Drops the Mic*

Response by SFC Christopher Taggart made Jul 28 at 2018 7:15 PM

2018-07-28T19:15:01-04:00

Yeah! If its another guy you are harassing in jest, I hope he knocks the crap out of you! If its girl you are harassing in jest, I hope SHE knocks the crap out of you! Harassing, even in jest, is a form of "bullying!" Don't do it!...you might be getting yourself into some serious trouble.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Oct 22 at 2018 6:01 PM

2018-10-22T18:01:30-04:00

Just saying ...

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Mar 25 at 2019 7:29 PM

2019-03-25T19:29:56-04:00

Not being an expert, I would say yes as they are not getting an equal opportunity due to the harassment.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2019 9:35 PM

2019-03-25T21:35:54-04:00

hysical characteristics of race, it may be race based, but there isn't enough information in your post.
You are entitled to an environment from offensive behavior, which what this may be, even if it's not based on race.
Discrimination or harassment may not be based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex or sexual orientation. Harassment is to: annoy or torment repeatedly and persistently, or impede by repeated attacks.
AR 600-20.
6–2. Equal opportunity policy
a. The U.S. Army will provide EO and fair treatment for military personnel and Family members without regard to
race, color, gender, religion, national origin, and provide an environment free of unlawful discrimination and offensive behavior.
I suggest if a Soldier is being harassed, and the supervisor is aware of the harassment, but has failed to take action to stop it, raising the issue with the commander or a unit EO rep (or whatever they may be called nowadays) is not only a reasonable step, it is the step I would recommend.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2019 11:42 PM

2019-03-25T23:42:36-04:00

AR 600-20 is pretty specific about what aspects are covered by EO.
It would take a fairly liberal interpretation to bring in aspects like eyebrows, but it is possible if it is cover for racial commentary.
Some of the elements you mention may fall under AR 670-1 as well, if they are letting their feature's grooming go to the point that it detracts from a Soldierly appearance. This too is a bit of a stretch, but a judgment call.
Honestly, if bubbas are harassing a dude for bs like appearance, he might want to stand up for himself in a more... old-fashioned way. Problem solved.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2019 2:49 PM

2019-12-05T14:49:55-05:00

A SPECIALIST
EMENF