EEO/DEIA Training

Subtle and overt language, joking, off-handed comments, and offensive comments and gestures can lead to a hostile work environment. And that includes ill-advised, even if not ill-intentioned, phrases such as “hold down the fort” and “low man on the totem pole.” Being a respectful communicator means more than just not …

When a complaint is filed with your agency’s EEO office, it’s possible that something very wrong has happened. Yet, how agency officials respond to that complaint could go a long way toward not only resolving the complaint, but ensuring that you don’t make matters even worse than they are. Too …

Be prepared. Be on time. Be civil. These are fairly basic expectations. Yet, they’re often forgotten once parties enter the EEO process. And once in the process, the potential pitfalls only increase. EEOC Administrative Judge Meghan Droste discusses the common mistakes agencies make, from missing important deadlines to missing the …

Antisemitism is never acceptable. However, recent remarks by celebrities, athletes, and news networks have made antisemitism seem more commonplace, in all facets of life, including the workplace. Title VII makes it illegal to discriminate against someone based on, among other things, religion. However, this is one of the protected categories …

The selection and promotion process is an emotional one, especially for those who aren’t selected. If you’re a federal EEO practitioner or supervisor, chances are you’ve had a case where an employee alleges that she was not selected or promoted because of something other than job qualifications – race, sex, …

Could use of pronouns or names that are inconsistent with an individual’s gender identity be considered discrimination or harassment? Yes. In certain circumstances. Gender identity and related topics are so important that in June 2022 the EEOC introduced a nonbinary gender marker for people to use during the intake process, …

The EEOC allows parties to file motions for summary judgment, potentially eliminating the need for a time-consuming, expensive, and risky hearing. Yet, many agencies fail to take advantage of this opportunity. During this 60-minute webinar, FELTG Instructor Katherine Atkinson explains the importance of the Report of Investigation and thorough discovery, …

A principal rule in findings of discrimination is to, as nearly as possible, place the victim in the position that person would have occupied but for the discrimination. This is easier said than done, because there’s no way to undo the harm caused by illegal employment discrimination. Even still, damages and remedies …

For many, it’s the most difficult and unpredictable part of the workplace investigation — conducting the interview. This is especially the case when the witness has suffered trauma. And it’s likely to happen, considering these sobering statistics: Seven to eight percent will have PTSD at some point in their lifetimes. …

A reference to dinosaurs, a joke about retirement, or a snide “OK Boomer” – nothing wrong with that if it’s just in fun, right?  Wrong! And if you think those are the only actions that’ll lead to an age discrimination claim, you’re wrong again. Join Attorney and FELTG Instructor Meghan …

Research estimates that around 1% of the population has an autism spectrum disorder, between 5-9% are estimated to have a learning disability, and just under 10% have a diagnosis of ADHD. The ability to recruit and retain neurodivergent employees will make your agency more diverse — and effective. This training …

How do you determine if an employee has a disability? What does qualified individual mean? What exactly is the interactive process? Do you have to approve telework as an accommodation? And how does the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Amendments Act, and the Rehabilitation Act apply to your agency? This …

Whether it’s a disgruntled employee or customer, or a domestic issue that follows an employee to work, workplaces are at a distinct risk of violent incidents. And that risk may be heightened when it’s a Federal workplace. How do you prepare yourself to protect the lives of those around you? …

If a contractor files an EEO complaint against your agency, is your agency liable? Don’t say “No” quite so quickly. The Federal sector EEO process is not exclusively limited to civil service employees. In certain cases, contractors under agency supervision can file EEO complaints if the agency is determined to …

If one of your agency’s employees had a mental health crisis in the workplace, would you know what to do? And with many employees still working remotely, how would you even know? One in six workers are experiencing mental health problems at any given time, according to recent studies. This …

Could use of pronouns or names that are inconsistent with an individual’s gender identity be considered discrimination or harassment? Yes, in certain circumstances. This session will explain how and why proper pronoun use, name use, and recognition of employee gender identity in the workplace is more than just a liability …

What is a microaggression? Can microaggressions ever rise to the level of unlawful workplace harassment? And if they aren’t acts of discrimination, why should you care? During this training, FELTG will explain what microaggressions look like it in their various forms — microinsults, microassaults, and microinvalidations. Plus, we’ll discuss how …

From chronic pain and chronic fatigue to depression and diabetes, disabilities are not always visible or obvious in the workplace. And the number of employees with hidden or invisible disabilities continues to grow. This course explains how to properly navigate the laws, regulations, and EEOC guidance while taking a commonsense …

You’ve gone through the interactive process and come up with a reasonable accommodation that both you and the employee think will be effective. Are you done? Not even close. And what happens if a new supervisor comes in and wants to change a long-standing accommodation? Over time, certain accommodations will …

If you’ve ever used undue hardship to deny an accommodation request or asked for more information from an employee’s doctor, we have two words for you: Uh oh. Oftentimes the best way to learn is by making mistakes. But not when it comes to reasonable accommodation law. This course provides …

The most difficult and unpredictable part of the workplace investigation – conducting the interview – can be especially challenging when the witness has a behavioral or mental health condition, or violent tendencies. This course will explain temperament traits and personality disorders and provide a road map to help you understand how to …

Hurry through the Federal hiring process, and not only are you likely to make a mistake in hiring, but you may also end up without sufficient documentation to combat a discrimination complaint. Per Executive Order, your agency should have already taken steps to “advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility,” and …

It’s one thing to say you support DEIA efforts at your agency, but how do you do that? This training will provide the foundation you need to jumpstart your DEIA efforts or take them to the next level. We’ll cover the concept of belonging, preventing and correcting harassment and discrimination, …

When EEO challenges arise, they rarely show up as run-of-the-mill simple scenarios you’ve worked through in a training class. Are you an EEO professional, attorney or advisor eager to learn how to more effectively manage complicated or high-profile EEO issues? This full-day course provides guidance on challenging questions, such as: Can an agency …

If you haven’t played a role in any part of the Federal EEO process, it might seem like an overwhelming mystery. This class explains, in practical terms, everything you need to know to have a fundamental understanding of Federal EEO law and process. Participants will be guided through each step …

Did you know that the innocent release of medical information can result in an expensive decision against an agency even if no actual harm was done to the employee? This training will explain how and when to collection medical information without going astray of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the …

Potential reasonable accommodations should be discussed by the employee and the agency, through what the EEOC refers to as “the interactive process.” So, what exactly does the interactive process involve? This course explains what agencies need to know when they work with employees on reasonable accommodation, including practical applications and …

Are you looking for a convenient and engaging way to pick up your mandatory annual refresher training hours? Are you interested in useful, timely, and up-to-date guidance where you can ask your questions, and get answers in real time? As an EEO counselor or investigator, you are required by the …

This workshop-based program will provide you with the skills and confidence to be more effective in writing reports of investigation and Final Agency Decisions that will withstand third-party scrutiny. Choose to bring one or both topics to your agency. Part 1: Writing a Report of Investigation Learn how to organize …

FELTG’s 32-hour EEO counselor training provides the mandatory initial training for new counselors that’s required by EEOC, and much more. The course is taught over four 8-hour days but can also be taught over five days or in other iterations. Our experienced instructors will explain the latest in EEO law …

With more Federal employees working remotely, the nature of the Federal workplace has changed. This class will help you design work structures for wellbeing while cultivating a culture of civility and respect. This workshop will provide you with practical, easy-to-implement data-driven insights plus tools and resources that empower high-performing, engaged …

Your heart suddenly beats faster, and your blood pressure rises exponentially. It could be a health issue. Or possibly, you may have heard your name mentioned in connection with “an EEO case.” As the much-repeated saying goes: We fear what we don’t understand. This class aims to lessen the fear …

Letters of acceptance/dismissal. Settlement agreements. Final agency decisions. Motions for summary judgment. Reports of investigation. Let’s face it, your job requires a lot of writing. Yet when was the last time you had training on these important skills? This workshop-based class covers the fundamentals of good legal writing. Through the …

Any effective misconduct investigation starts with a solid foundation of the law and an understanding of the full scope of your investigation. This class explains the principles that underpin a successful investigation of Federal employee misconduct, including harassment.  You’ll leave with guidance on developing the investigation, from creating a plan …

There are numerous examples of investigations that have gone awry. It could be an investigator’s failure to interview certain witnesses, a failure to take a complainant’s statement into account, or, perhaps, an action, such as a widely shared email, that shows a lack of objectivity. This course will provide guidance …

This course will provide employees with answers to their most perplexing questions about reasonable accommodation. They’ll leave with a firm grasp on the how and why of agency reasonable accommodation decisions. The law under the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act and its Amendments Act will be explained …

A fundamental rule in findings of discrimination is to, as nearly as possible, place the victim in the position that person would have occupied but for the discrimination. But how? There’s no way to undo the harm caused by illegal employment discrimination. That’s why every EEO practitioner needs to understand the concepts …

Unlike the MSPB, the EEOC allows parties to file motions for summary judgment, potentially eliminating the need for a time-consuming, expensive, and risky hearing. Yet, many agencies fail to take advantage of this opportunity. This training will explain the importance of the Report of Investigation and thorough discovery, the benefits …

Few things create as much confusion among even experienced Federal attorneys, EEO specialists, or HR professionals as mixed cases. FELTG is here to help. This training untangles this often-complicated area when MSPB and EEOC both have potential jurisdiction over a case. What do you do when a mixed case lands …

We get it. You don’t want to look like you did something wrong. But here’s the thing: Settling a case does not mean there were flaws in your case, nor is it an admittance of liability or wrongdoing. This training will explain why so many disputes are settled and why …

The Supreme Court upended decades of precedent in its unanimous 2023 decision Groff v. DeJoy. It’s a big change for the concept of undue hardship in religious accommodation, according to some experts – but not not to others. Plus, there’s also an undue hardship standard in disability accommodation cases and …

Discovery is a critical and effective part of any litigation – when conducted properly. Annoying and abusive discovery techniques could have negative consequences, and possibly even lead to sanctions. From disrespect and profanity in depositions to the other party refusing to produce requested documents, it’s important to be prepared for …

Litigating cases in Federal sector employment law is a unique prospect and isn’t for the unprepared. In addition, taking a case to arbitration is also a world of its own. This training focuses on providing tips to practice effectively and successfully in administrative hearings before the MSPB, EEOC, and in …

Whether you’re representing your agency before the Merit Systems Protection Board or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, there is one ultimate goal: Win the case. This interactive course will prepare you for these kinds of hearings. Part 1: Developing a Theory In this session you’ll learn strategies for developing a …

Your heart suddenly beats faster, and your blood pressure rises to a dangerous level. It could be a health issue. Or possibly, you may have heard your name mentioned in connection with “an EEO case.” As the much-repeated saying goes: We fear what we don’t understand. This class aims to …

In the world of Federal employment law, discovery is an integral part of the litigation process. Discovery is your opportunity to obtain the information and documents that are critical to your case. But discovery is fraught with potential mistakes, some of which could lead to sanctions – or even cause …

Learn how to prepare an engaging and effective case, targeted to the appropriate forum: MSPB or EEOC. This class will methodically describe the keys of each step in prepping your case, whether it’s getting witnesses ready, developing the record, objecting to documents, preparing your lines of questioning, or closing statements. …

This training focuses on a new law that just went into effect in 2023: the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), which requires agencies to provide reasonable accommodations to employees who have medical restrictions related to pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions. This training will answer the following questions: What are your …

UnCivil Servant: Holding Employees Accountable for Performance and Conduct has empowered thousands of Federal supervisors and advisers to confidently and effectively address unacceptable performance and misconduct. Now it’s time to take those learned skills to a new level. This interactive, workshop-based training tackles the intersection of performance and conduct issues with other …

Not everyone has the same definition of “harassment.” While most professionals recognize harassment that violates Title VII, some employees consider it harassment when supervisors provide critical performance feedback or assign work. In between, there are threatening, intimidating, and disturbing acts that are unrelated to protected classes, but nonetheless may be non-EEO …