Sec. 11-212. - Policy statement.

(a)

The City of East Providence hereby affirms its commitment to equal opportunity and affirmative action by fostering and actively promoting equitable employment opportunities throughout its municipal and school departments. Moreover, the city affirms its commitment to the prevention and elimination of discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, or disability. The affirmative action officer, under the direct administrative supervision of the personnel director, is responsible to the mayor, in accordance with the City Ordinance, Book 5, Chapter 61, entitled: An Ordinance Adopting An Affirmative Action Plan for the City of East Providence, Rhode Island, adopted April 19, 1976, and is duly empowered with full authority and responsibility to develop and ensure compliance with laws, policies and practices established to assist the city in achieving its equal opportunity and affirmative action goals.

(b)

The city values the culture and background of all people, and recognizes that the goals of equal opportunity and affirmative action can only be achieved through committed leadership and administrative policies and practices that lead to a culture of inclusion. Thus, the implementation of this Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Policy is intended to enhance programs and introduce strategies that, once implemented, will bring about the positive, proactive changes necessary to the achievement of the city's equal opportunity and affirmative action goals.

(c)

In accordance with the city's affirmative action plan and the commitment affirmed through this policy, the city shall continue to promote equal opportunity and affirmative action in all areas of operation. Special emphasis shall be given to the following areas:

(1)

Ensuring that all employment practices and decisions, as well as appointments to boards and commissions, are made without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, or disability.

(2)

Disseminating the affirmative action plan and this policy to all municipal and school departments, along with a written statement by the mayor affirming the city's commitment to its affirmative action programs.

(3)

Investigating allegations of discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, or disability.

(4)

Take reasonable steps to ensure that all contractors and firms doing business with the city adhere to applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations governing fair labor and equal employment practices during the performance of their contract.

(5)

Training municipal and school department employees on the topics of equal opportunity, harassment/sexual harassment prevention, and diversity.

(Ch. 561, § I, 8-21-12; Ch. 877, § I, 6-6-23)