Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO): Special Emphasis Program

Special Emphasis Program

Special Emphasis Programs are implemented and observed primarily to ensure that minorities, women, people with various disabilities, and people with various sexual orientations are provided an equal opportunity in employment and program delivery activities. These programs improve the workplace environment by promoting and fostering diversity in the workplace through awareness and educating Census Bureau employees and others to appreciate, value, understand, and celebrate social and cultural similarities and differences.

Several laws, Executive Orders, Public Law, Federal regulations, Presidential Proclamations and orders, and Supreme Court decisions have provided civil rights and Equal Employment Opportunity protections in America. They apply to all Federal employees and provide the statutory basis for the Special Emphasis Program Observances.

Take Your Youth To Work Day

The following are Special Emphasis Observances implemented by Public Law or Presidential Proclamation.

Observance: African-American/Black History Month
Month: February
Dates: 2/1-2/29
Authority: Presidential Proclamation, February 01, 2011

Observance: National Women’s History Month
Month: March
Dates: 3/1-3/31
Authority: Presidential Proclamation, February 28, 2011

Observance: Asian Pacific Heritage Month
Month: May
Dates: 5/1-5/31
Authority: Presidential Proclamation, April 29, 2011

Observance: National Hispanic Heritage Month
Month: September - October
Dates: 9/15-10/15
Authority: Presidential Proclamation, September 15, 2010

Observance: National Disability Employment Awareness
Month: October
Dates: 10/1-10/31
Authority: Presidential Proclamation, October 01, 2010

Observance: National Native American Indian Month
Month: November
Dates: 11/1-11/30
Authority: Presidential Proclamation, October 29, 2010

NOTE: There are several additional Presidential Proclamations issued under the current Administration that may be grouped as/or considered a part of the Special Emphasis Program observances. With this in mind, and based on agency budgetary constraints associated with Special Emphasis Programs, this list is not all inclusive. To review an all inclusive list of current Presidential Proclamations, please visit the White House.

Observance: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month
Month: June
Dates: 6/1-6/30
Authority: Presidential Proclamation, May 31, 2011