Equal Employment Opportunity Compliance Statement

Discrimination and sexual harassment are violations of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 1991, (Title VI, VII) and other acts, sections and executive orders under the law; as well as Title 20. Human Relations, Subtitle 6. Discrimination in Employment of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

The Maryland Fire & Rescue Institute fully commits to adhering to the goals and objectives of the Americans with Disabilities Act, The Strategic Plan for Diversity at the University of Maryland, and all applicable University System of Maryland and University of Maryland College Park Policies and Procedures to ensure that there will be no discrimination against staff, faculty, and students, and that reasonable accommodations will be made for all individuals with a disability in employment practices.

Discrimination and sexual harassment are prohibited within the framework of the University System of Maryland; in conjunction with The Strategic Plan for Diversity at the University of Maryland which aims to secure and maintain a working and learning environment in which all members of our community are welcomed and can flourish regardless of race, color, creed, gender, veteran status, religion sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, personal appearance, age, national origin, political affiliation, hidden or visible disabilities

The Maryland Fire & Rescue Institute maintains a zero tolerance policy on these issues, and shall abide by the law; as such, the cooperation of all personnel is required and expected in preventing and addressing these types of violations, and all staff members are expected to treat individuals with respect, courtesy and tact.

Managers, section heads, and supervisors will be held accountable and responsible for taking immediate and appropriate corrective disciplinary action in accordance with the University System of Maryland policies, procedures, as well as applicable personnel rules and regulations to ensure that the Maryland Fire & Rescue Institute meets its responsibility to all personnel.

Any inappropriate work place conduct including racial and sexual harassment that results in discrimination against personnel with regard to their race, color, creed, religion, age, disability, national origin, sex, age, political affiliation, marital status, and organizational affiliations will not be tolerated. Such conduct may result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.

___________________________________ _________________

Michael E. Cox, Director Date

Sexual Harassment Compliance Statement

Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination that violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (which prohibits discrimination based on sex in education programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance); as well as the University System of Maryland and University of Maryland College Park Policies and Procedures, Section VI-1.20 (A) University of Maryland Sexual Misconduct Policy.

Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, request for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when the following occur:

1. Submission to such conduct is made, either explicitly or implicitly, a term or condition of employment.
   
2. Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment decisions affecting such individual(s).
   
3. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment.
   
4. Sexual harassment is not gender-specific. The victim as well as the harasser may be either man or woman. The victim does not have to be of the opposite gender.
   

Sexual harassment is a prohibited personnel practice within the University System of Maryland and the Maryland Fire & Rescue Institute; therefore, the cooperation of all personnel is required and expected in preventing and addressing sexual harassment violations.

The Maryland Fire & Rescue Institute shall maintain a "zero tolerance" policy on sexual harassment, and shall abide by all applicable state and federal laws prohibiting sexual harassment, the University System of Maryland and University of Maryland College Park Policies and Procedures, and The Strategic Plan for Diversity at the University of Maryland.

Managers, section heads, and supervisors will be held accountable and responsible for taking immediate and appropriate corrective disciplinary action in accordance with the University System of Maryland policies, procedures, as well as applicable personnel rules and regulations to ensure that the Maryland Fire & Rescue Institute meets its responsibility to all personnel in preventing inappropriate conduct or behavior in the workplace.

Conduct or actions that constitute sexual harassment under the provisions of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended, as well as the University System of Maryland and University of Maryland College Park Policies and Procedures, Section VI-1.20 (A) University of Maryland Sexual Misconduct Policy shall not be tolerated and may result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.

___________________________________ _________________

Michael E. Cox, Director Date