Posted on Jul 26, 2018
Is it EO to harrass someone based off of a specific characteristic of an individual (example, making fun of someone's nose, lips, eyebrows)?
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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?
Equal Opportunity Advisor
Equal Opportunity Leaders Course (EOLC)
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 14
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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.
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SPC (Join to see)
With all due respect SGM Frazer, i'm refering to myself. And was trying to seek outside help because its an on going issue.
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SGM Bill Frazer
SORRY!Speak to the EO office, this should not be happening! Example- you have a big nose, so I'm part Indian, got a problem?
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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.
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SPC (Join to see)
Im not sure ft hood has this policy letter SSG Gilbreaith. I tried to google treatment of persons policy letter within FT Hood and it only showed other bases that have this policy letter. So i can show my first line. Does that mean it doesnt apply to my base SSG? I apolagize if this is a dumb question. Im just really drained from feeling this way and would like it to end. My EO Rep is saying this isnt EO. Wasnt really sure what to do so i tried reaching out on Rally Point.
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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.
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.
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SPC (Join to see)
Im going to be direct right now. I am refering to my eyebrows SFC Rosario. Which is a feature of my ethnic backround. So skin color is the only feature that is covered by EO regarding race or ethnic origin? Any other physical characteristics of ethnic origin is not EO? Maybe i should have been more specific in the begining. But i still dont see how this is not EO. And to answer your question no i dont disrespect people or harrass people.
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SFC Francisco Rosario
Im sorry to break it to you but it is not an EO issue. I f whoever is making fun of your eyebrows is doing so and actually stating that this is because of an ethnicity of nationality trait then yes. But if there is no such statement then no. Big or thick eyebrows is not an ethnic trait, there are many indivudual who would fit the bill from many different nationalities. That is not an exclusive traitto a particular group.
It sounds like you are trying to make it an EO issue. Like i have stated previously, unless the person doing this is actually saying that about your eyebrows because of your ethnicity or nationality then no. However you are actually stereotyping a group or ethnicity based on having a certain type of eyebrows.
Sounds to me like you are looking for ways to make it an EO issue (my last statement is just my opinion).
It sounds like you are trying to make it an EO issue. Like i have stated previously, unless the person doing this is actually saying that about your eyebrows because of your ethnicity or nationality then no. However you are actually stereotyping a group or ethnicity based on having a certain type of eyebrows.
Sounds to me like you are looking for ways to make it an EO issue (my last statement is just my opinion).
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CPT Lawrence Cable
SPC (Join to see) - While it could be covered under policy against bullying, have you taken any steps to end this yourself? Did you tell the person/people involved that it bothered you? Have you addressed it with your immediate chain of command? I despise bully's and have probably been in more fist fights over that issue (yes, it's probably undignified for a Captain to admit that he got in fist fights when he was enlisted, but facts are facts) than anything else. I personally will ask you if it's OK to even use a nickname since I've found that many people don't really care for the nickname they get stuck.
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CH (CPT) (Join to see)
This is your answer! The difference is some categories are defined and protected by law. Others are not.
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Fort Hood does in fact have a policy letter, #4, from the CG about treatment of fellow soldiers. You need to look it up.
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SFC Francisco Rosario
That is a policy letter that supports good order and dicipline withing the ranks. That is not an EO policy. EO is about being discriminated under the 5 protected categories. Go to the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute (DEOMI) website for more information.
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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.
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.
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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*
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SPC (Join to see)
Too ignorant to handle intelligent discussion so you misdirect your insecurities onto other people. I actually feel sorry for people like you. Your kind lives in a world of divorce, alcoholism, self hate and drugs. Maybe one day you can accept yourself.* drops mic and explodes on impact*
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SSG Nathan Blair
Hahaha, way off buddy. I was a Battalion level EO NCO, I have a 165 IQ, was in Who's, Who in colleges and universities, graduated Suma Cum Laude with a 4.0 in Forensics with a minor in Forensic Psychology, and have a Master's in Finance and Accounting also graduated President's List with a 3.895. No alcoholism, self hate or drugs (in my life), only 1 divorce she had those issues (close but no cookie). Not only do I accept myself, but when I was growing up what you described was a way of life, men were men, women were women and we didn't whine about it. I'm not sure you'd make it in my world I'm a high 5 figure residual income earner, that means I make money while I sleep (headed to 7 figure residual income). We have friends all over the world am respected by multiple 7 figure entrepreneurs, cabinet level Directors and was personally thanked by the President for my service to our country. You see SFC, I have mentors, work on personal development and know that you have to build yourself before you can build people. I also KNOW that winners don't whine and whiners don't win. Hands mic to mentor and he smashes it for me, because he's so damn proud of me and to know me. Does a dab and walks of stage from speaking to 10's of thousands.
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Why should any form of personal insult be considered legitimate or humorous?
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SPC (Join to see)
Because there is a difference between joking around and constant harrassment. And no this isnt even a matter of perception. This is clear direct disrespect and harassment.
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