WILLIAM DONALD SCHAEFER, Governor

(Amends 01.01.1987.20)

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, as
Executive Order 01.01.1970.15; and most recently issued on
April 14, 1987, as Executive Order 01.01.1987.20;

WHEREAS, Certain amendments are now required to bring the Code
into compliance with changes in Federal and State laws; and

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 PROMULGATE THE
FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE ORDER AMENDING EXECUTIVE ORDER
01.01.1987.20 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,
TERMINATIONS, AND OTHER DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS 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
affiliation, race, color, sex, marital status, creed, or
national origin. State personnel shall not be dismissed
or in any way penalized on account of age, except
pursuant to a bona fide uniform retirement policy.
Qualified handicapped State personnel shall not be
dismissed or in any way penalized on account of that
handicap.

B.  The Secretary of Personnel is responsible for the
overall administration of the Equal Employment
Opportunity Program for State Merit System employees and
applicants for State Merit System employment. With the
advice of the Executive Director and the [Chairman]
CHAIRPERSON of the Human Relations Commission, the
Secretary shall develop, promulgate, and enforce rules,
regulations, and guidelines for the implementation of
the Equal Employment Opportunity Program. These rules,

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