It is the policy of the Hamaspik of Orange County to prevent and eliminate discrimination in all of its operations and services as well as all aspects of employment. All Department, Divisions, Offices, and Bureaus will plan, develop and implement their programs and activities so that no person is subjected to unlawful discrimination based on race, creed, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, or Vietnam era veteran status.
This policy fully incorporates throughout all of the Hamaspik’s operations the requirements of applicable State and Federal laws and executive orders to prohibit any discriminatory practices, procedures and policies. All administrators, managers, supervisors and employees are directed to comply with these laws and orders. Hamaspik is committed to maintaining an agency which recognizes and values the inherent worth and dignity of every person; fosters tolerance, sensitivity, understanding, and mutual respect among its members; and encourages each individual to strive to reach their own potential.
RELATED POLICY AND AUTHORITATIVE SOURCES
New York State Laws
New York State Human Rights Law Article 15 (1945) – Guarantees nondiscrimination in the State of New York on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, age, disability and or sexual orientation.
New York State Law Article 15-A (1988) – An act to amend the executive law and the state Finance law, in relation to participation by minority group members and women with respect to state contracts.
New York State Law Article 17-B (2014) – An Act to amend the executive law, in relation to expanding opportunities for service-disabled veteran-owned business enterprises.
Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act (2003) – This Act amends the Executive Law to include sexual orientation.
New York State Executive Orders
On January 1, 2011, Governor Cuomo issued Executive Order 2 that authorized the continuation of certain prior Executive Orders related to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in all State programs.
Executive Order No. 6 (Governor Cuomo, 1983) – Insures equal employment opportunities for minorities, women, disabled persons and Vietnam era Veterans in State government. The order clarifies and expands the power of the President of the Civil Service Commission and the Governor’s Executive Committee for Affirmative Action to ensure that agencies develop and implement effective affirmative action plans.
Federal Laws and Executive Orders
Civil Rights Act of 1964 – Prevents discrimination in federally assisted programs; provides relief against discrimination in public accommodations; protects constitutional rights in public facilities and public education; enforces the constitutional right to vote. Title VI – Prohibits discrimination on the grounds of race, color or national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. Title VII as amended by the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972 – Makes it unlawful to discriminate in employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 – Prohibits discrimination on the basis of physical or mental disability in every federally assisted program or activity in the country.
Age Discrimination Act of 1975 – Prohibits discrimination on the basis of age in programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance.
Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1988 – Specifies that recipients of federal funds must comply with civil rights laws in all areas, not just in a particular program or activity that receives federal funding. It applies to all federal laws.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 – Federal Law prohibiting discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, public access to services, transportation, public accommodations, and telecommunications services.
Civil Rights Act of 1991 – Provides appropriate remedies for intentional discrimination and unlawful harassment in the workplace; codifies the concepts of “business necessity” and “job related”, confirms statutory authority and provide statutory guidelines for the adjudication of disparate impact suits under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; expands the scope of relevant civil rights statutes in order to provide adequate protection to victims of discrimination. The Act provides for compensatory and punitive damages and jury trails in cases of sex, religious, and disability bias.
Executive Order No. 11246 – Prohibits employers doing business with the Federal Government from discriminating in employment because of race, color, religion, sex or national origin. Employers are required to take affirmative action in employment activities including hiring, promotion, transfers, training and minorities and women.