Key Democrats press bill to increase minority recruitment at Coast Guard Academy

Washington — Key House Democrats are backing a bill aimed at improving diversity at New London’s Coast Guard Academy, a move touched off by allegations of discrimination and a racially hostile environment at the school.

Introduced by Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., the “Coast Guard Academy Improvement Act,” would establish a commission that would make recommendations to foster “a more inclusive and supportive environment” at the academy.

The bill would require the academy to create a recruitment and retention plan for cadets, faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds, and permanently establish a minority outreach team.

The legislation would also require the academy to select up to 50 percent of each incoming class from a pool of candidates nominated by members of Congress.

Read more: https://ctmirror.org/2019/07/01/key-dems-press-bill-to-increase-minority-recruitment-at-coast-guard-academy/