Legal Handbook for Council Members 2022

DATE:

August 11, 2022

TO:

Mayor and City Council

FROM:

Chuck Watts, City Attorney

SUBJECT:

Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action/ Minority/ Women Business Enterprise (M/WBE)

DECLARATION OF EQUAL EMPLOYMENT / AFFIRMATIVE ACTION POLICY STATEMENTS The City’s Equal Employment /Affirmative Action Plan is a comprehensive document designed to (1) sustain an employment environment that provides equal opportunities to all applicants and employees; (2) discover and eliminate discriminatory barriers and/or under-representation against women, racial/ethnic minorities and people with disabilities; and (3) hold our managers accountable for ensuring employment decisions and terms or conditions of employment are administered fairly and without discrimination. This plan was recently revised in 2022, and the Chief Diversity Equity and Inclusion Officer is its custodian. The following policy statements are taken from the City of Greensboro’s 2022 Equal Employment/ Affirmative Action Plan, and these policy statements have also been incorporated into the City’s Personnel Policies. City of Greensboro’s Equal Employment Opportunity Policy (Updated February 1, 2021): “The City of Greensboro is committed to zero tolerance of ageism, racism, sexism, discrimination and unfair treatment of people regardless of the reason. To this end, the City makes a concerted effort to foster a work environment that is welcoming, inclusive and equitable for all people. No person shall be refused employment, denied promotion or assignment, discharged, discriminated against, or given preference in any aspect of the employment relationship on the basis of age, color, ethnicity, familial status, gender or sex, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, hair texture and hairstyle commonly associated with race or national origin, marital status, mental or physical disability, military status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation or any other non-job related factor, except when certain physical and mental requirements are bona-fide occupational qualifications.t.” Source: Personnel Policy Manual, I-1 (Full text of policy attached). City of Greensboro’s Affirmative Action Policy (Updated February 1, 2021): “The City believes that our workforce should generally mirror the diversity of the community we serve and work to eliminate unlawful discrimination in the workforce. It is the policy of