Preventing discrimination key to success

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Paul D. Goven
  • 27th Medical Support Squadron
Successfully accomplishing an organization's mission is critical.

It takes a team of dedicated and knowledgeable individuals who can focus all their energy on maximizing the goals that support our ability to do America's business any time and in any place. We all know this takes hard work to accomplish, even in the best of conditions.

One of the quickest ways to destroy the morale of an organization and its ability to accomplish the mission is discrimination in any form.

Discrimination can have serious consequences on unit teamwork, which is the main ingredient we need to succeed as an Air Force. Discrimination will destroy the fabric that binds the common good of its members and deprive the organization of its ability to accomplish the goals it strives to achieve.

Discrimination is ugly. Whether discrimination is based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, or age, it should not be tolerated by anyone. The good news is it's within the control of each of us to put a stop to it just as soon as it raises its ugly head.

If you believe discrimination is practiced within your work environment, in whatever form, do not tolerate the condition. Take immediate action, speak up and seek help. Here are a few helpful hints.

Consider using an informal method of resolution if the behavior is minor. Speak with the individual in person, or you may want to write a letter. But, in either case, send a clear message that you want the behavior to stop.

Warn the individual that if the behavior doesn't stop, you will take further action. You can also go to your supervisor or others in your chain of command and ask for their assistance in resolving the situation.

Always maintain records of what happened with dates, times and locations.

In many instances, using an informal approach will resolve the problem. If you feel uncomfortable with the informal process or are not able to resolve the issue at that level, then seek the advice of the military equal opportunity office.

The MEO staff can guide you through the process and assist you with filing a formal complaint if you believe one is needed.

Remember, as an Air Force team, we have a national security strategy to execute. As we focus on the nation's objectives, there are many variables beyond our control, and discrimination is not one of them.

One of the Air Force's greatest strengths is the diversity of its people, the Air Force's most precious resource. Let us continue to respect different backgrounds, cultures and beliefs and most of all take care of each other. (Courtesy Air Combat Command News Service)