Coast Guard Academy faces bias allegations

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — The Department of Homeland Security’s inspector general is investigating allegations of racial discrimination at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and inadequate follow-up by the school’s leadership, the agency said Thursday.

The investigation will bring a new layer of scrutiny to the service academy that is already under pressure from Congress to address concerns about racial insensitivity, disparities in discipline and the administration’s handling of complaints.

The probe began within the past few months and could take up to a year, Arlen Morales, a spokeswoman for the Office of Inspector General, told The Associated Press. It will look into how the academy responds to allegations of race or ethnicity-based discrimination. Ultimately, the academy will be required to provide a corrective action plan, with the inspector general’s office updating Congress on any shortcomings.

The academy is cooperating with the investigation, spokesman David Santos said.

“It is important for us to examine our policies and practices, and where necessary, take action to improve them,” he said in a prepared statement.

The academy has made strides with mentoring programs and other initiatives to recruit and retain minorities, but it is also clear work remains to be done, said U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney.