Special Emphasis Programs (SEPs)

Special Emphasis Programs (SEPs) are implemented and observed primarily to ensure that all are provided an equal opportunity in all aspects of employment. 

SEPs enhance the Equal Employment Opportunity Program as it relates to federal personnel policies, practices, and equal employment opportunity. The primary objectives of SEPs are: 

• Analyzing agency workforce data and identifying barriers in the areas of recruitment, hiring, promotions, career development, reasonable accommodation and retention affecting the full representation of targeted groups (i.e. minorities, women and individuals with disabilities).
• Compiling, developing, and disseminating information and documents for managers, supervisors, and employees to provide knowledge on issues of accessibility and reasonable accommodation of individuals with disabilities.
• Developing and conducting programs such as training courses, workshops, job fairs, conferences, and commemorative observances to provide awareness and understanding of the special issues affecting employment of the protected groups.

Department of the Interior Special Emphasis Observance Policy

Special Emphasis Observances 

• Martin Luther King, Jr. Federal Holiday 
• National Black History Month
• Women's History Month
• Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI)
• Holocaust Days of Remembrance
• Pride Month
• National Hispanic Heritage Month
• National Disability Employment Awareness Month 
• National Native American Heritage Month
• Veterans Day