(a) The State recognizes and honors the value and dignity of every person
and understands the importance of providing employees and applicants
for employment with a fair opportunity to pursue their careers in an
environment free of discrimination or harassment prohibited by law.
(b) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection or by other law,
all personnel actions concerning a State employee or applicant for
employment in State government shall be made without regard to:
(i) age;
(ii) ancestry;
(iii) color;
(iv) creed;
(v) marital status;
(vi) mental or physical disability;
(vii) national origin;
(viii) race;
(ix) religious affiliation, belief, or opinion; or
(x) sex.
(2) A personnel action may be taken with regard to age, sex, or disability
to the extent that age, sex, or physical or mental qualification is
required by law or is a bona fide occupational qualification.
(c) (1) Each State employee is expected to assume personal responsibility and
leadership in ensuring fair employment practices and equal employment
opportunity in Maryland State government.
(2) Employment discrimination and harassment by State managers,
supervisors, or other employees is prohibited.
(3) A State employee who violates this subtitle is subject to disciplinary
action by the employee's appointing authority, including the
termination of State employment.
(d) The Equal Employment Opportunity Program in Title 5, Subtitle 2 of this
article governs all employees of any unit in the Executive Branch of
State government, including a unit with an independent personnel
system.
(e) (1) At least annually, the Secretary shall report on the Equal Employment
Opportunity Program established in § 5-202 of this article to the
Legislative Joint Committee on Fair Practices.
(2) The head of a personnel system in the Legislative and Judicial branches
may report periodically on equal employment opportunity programs and
policies in effect in that personnel system to the Legislative Joint
Committee on Fair Practices.
|
