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The Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

The Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion provides leadership in the development of policies, programs, and procedures that ensure compliance with federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws, and integrate diversity, access, and inclusion into county operations.  We are a partner and resource for all departments as they work to improve access and inclusion countywide. 

 
 

In the Spotlight

Diversity and Inclusion

Pete Hill|EDI Director

  • Our Mission

    The Anne Arundel County Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) was established on December 29, 2020, with the mission of establishing a countywide equity, diversity, and inclusion strategic plan.

  • Our Vision

    It is our vision to create an environment in which all county employees and residents feel they have access to the resources necessary to succeed at work and in their communities.

  • Our Goal

    The Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion aims to establish a uniform approach to analyzing departmental policies, procedures, and practices by promoting the use of the equity lens as a critical thinking tool.

  • Our Commitment

    On September 1, 2021, County Executive Steuart Pittman signed Executive Order 50, reaffirming the County’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. The EDI office is charged with the development and implementation of a government-wide strategy to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion as core values for every County workplace, program, activity, contract, and decision. 

 

Compliance

Asha Smith|Employee Opportunity & Human Relations Officer

  • Employment

    Anne Arundel County government prohibits discrimination against employees, and applicants for employment, on the basis of gender, race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or family status, genetic information, veteran’s status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state employment laws. (Policy K-01).

    In accordance with the County’s Employee Relations Manual, employees, or applicants for employment, who have concerns about workplace discrimination or harassment should report their concerns to the Asha Smith, EO and Human Relations Officer.

    How do I know if I am being discriminated against or harassed?
    You should report your concerns if you believe you are being treated unfairly because of your gender, race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or family status, genetic information, veteran’s status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state employment laws.
    What if I feel I am being treated unfairly, but I don’t think it’s because of my protected characteristics?
    You should contact the Department of Personnel for further assistance.
    Where can I find out more about workplace discrimination and harassment?
  • Public Programs and Activities

    Residents and other parties who feel that they have been subjected to any of the following treatment because of their protected characteristics, should report their concerns to Asha Smith, EO and Human Relations Officer:

    • excluded from participation in County programs and activities
    • denied the benefits of County programs and activities, or
    • subjected to discrimination under any program or activity
  • Fair Housing

    The Anne Arundel County Code prohibits discrimination on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship, color, creed, disability, familial status, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, occupation, race, religions, sex, sexual orientation, or source of income in such a way that the person is adversely affected in the area of housing.

    The law authorizes the County's Human Relations Commission to receive and address fair housing complaints, in accordance with procedures outlined in Article 3, Title 5A. Asha Smith, EO and Human Relations Officer, serves as an ex-officio member of the Commission, and can be contacted with questions about fair housing.

    File a Complaint



File a Discrimination/Harassment Complaint

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