EXECUTIVE ORDERS

(Rescinding 01.01.1970.15, 01.01.1976.05, 01.01.1986.04,
01.01.1986.06 and 01.01.1986.09)

WHEREAS, In recognition of the State's obligation to provide a
work environment without discrimination on the basis of (1)
political or religious opinion or affiliation, marital
status, race, color, creed, or national origin, or (2) sex
or age, except when sex or age constitutes a bona fide
occupational qualification, or (3) the physical or mental
handicap of a qualified handicapped individual, a Code of
Fair Practices was promulgated on December 9, 1970, by
Executive Order 01.01.1970.15; and amended on July 9, 1975,
by Executive Order 01.01.1976.05; and amended on February
19, 1986, by Executive Order 01.01.1986.04; and amended on
April 1, 1986, by Executive Order 01.01.1986.06; and amended
on May 28, 1986, by Executive Order 01.01.1986.09; and

WHEREAS, It is now desirable to clarify certain requirements of
the Code relating to State financial assistance and to
provide an additional mechanism of compliance with the Code
requirements; and

WHEREAS, There is a continuing need to achieve the objectives of
the Code; and

WHEREAS, In order to overcome vestiges of discrimination, it is
necessary to ascertain whether any personnel actions,
policies, practices and procedures have an adverse impact on
protected groups and to implement systems and develop
programs specifically designed to identify and eliminate
discriminatory actions, policies, practices and procedures
where found;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM DONALD SCHAEFER, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE
OF MARYLAND, BY VIRTUE OF THE AUTHORITY VESTED IN ME BY THE
CONSTITUTION AND LAWS OF MARYLAND, DO HEREBY RESCIND
EXECUTIVE ORDERS 01.01.1970.15, 01.01.1976.05,
01.01.1986.04, 01.01.1986.06 AND 01.01.1986.09 AND
PROMULGATE THE FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE ORDER TO BECOME EFFECTIVE
IMMEDIATELY.

ARTICLE I - EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM IN STATE EMPLOYMENT

A. State officials and supervisory employees shall appoint,
assign, and promote State personnel, employed in the
Executive Branch, on the basis of merit and fitness.
Appointments, assignments, and promotions shall be made
without regard to (1) political or religious opinion or
affiliation, marital status, race, color, creed, or national
origin, (2) sex or age, except when sex or age constitutes a
bona fide occupational qualification, or (3) the physical or
mental handicap of a qualified handicapped individual.
State personnel shall not be dismissed or in any way
penalized on account of political or religious opinion or

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