Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, and required by 42 U.S.C. §2000e, et seq., prohibits discrimination in employment based upon race, color, sex, national origin, pregnancy and religion. The Act forbids employers to retaliate against any individual for opposing employment practices made unlawful by Title VII or for filing a discrimination charge, testifying, assisting, or participating in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing under Title VII.
The Office of Equal Opportunity provides direction and guidance throughout the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) on the fair and consistent treatment of ALL employees regarding employment decisions, including the following:
- Recruitment
- Career Development/Advancement
- Promotions
- Performance Appraisals
- Reclassifications
- Tuition Aid/Education
- Disciplinary Actions
- Employment Benefits & Privileges
- Compensation
- Training
In addition to Title VII, the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA), under Title I, require employers with 15 or more employees to provide qualified disabled individuals an equal chance to benefit from the full range of employment-related opportunities. ADA prohibits discrimination in recruitment, hiring, promotions, training, pay, social activities, and other privileges of employment. It restricts questions that an employer can ask about an applicant's disability before a job offer is made. It requires that employers make reasonable accommodation to the known physical or mental limitations of qualified individuals with disabilities, unless it results in undue hardship. Religious entities with 15 or more employees must comply with Title I.
Business must provide reasonable accommodations to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities in all aspects of employment. Possible changes may include restructuring jobs, altering the layout of workstations, or modifying equipment. Employment aspects include the job application process, hiring, wages, benefits, and all other aspects of employment. Medical examinations are highly regulated.