Affirmative action is a tool of inclusion that allows all qualified people
to compete fairly. It is a means by which equal opportunity is achieved. The
City and County affirmative action policies include such measures as: (1)
outreach and recruiting efforts to aid in diversifying the pool of qualified
candidates for employment; (2) examination of current policies and practices
to identify existing barriers to equal opportunity; and (3) anti-discrimination
and diversity training to help retain current diverse employees.
Does affirmative action allow for preferential selection procedures that
benefit unqualified candidates?
No, affirmative action does not supercede merit-based decision making. It
is unlawful to give preference to unqualified candidates in the name of
affirmative action.
Does affirmative action allow for quotas?
No, quotas are unlawful. Flexible goals may serve as benchmarks by which
to judge the effectiveness of affirmative action efforts. Goals are not
designed to achieve proportional representation.
FILING AN INTERNAL ALLEGATION OF EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION – CITY AND COUNTY EMPLOYEES:
What do I do as a city and county employee if I feel I'm being discriminated against?
All discrimination allegations should be reported personally,
or by a designated representative, to your Department Head, the
Personnel Department, or the Affirmative Action Director at 441-3871.
Your allegation will be promptly addressed.
Will my allegations be confidential?
Your Department Head and/or the Affirmative Action Director
will protect the confidentiality of your allegations to the extent
possible. However, it may not be possible to conduct an effective
investigation without revealing certain information to those who
need to know.
What will happen after my Department Head or the Affirmative Action
Director investigates my allegations?
If the complaint is found to have merit, corrective action,
which may entail discipline up to and including termination of the
offending employee(s), will be implemented. If the complaint is
found to be invalid, all involved parties will be so notified.
