4.1 Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
   It is the policy of the Village that employment in Village government shall be based on merit and individual qualifications. No discrimination shall be exercised in any manner by a Village official or employee against or in favor of any applicant for Village employment or employee because of political or religious opinions or affiliations, or because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, marital status, military or veteran status, order of protection status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and related conditions), gender expression, gender identification, unfavorable military discharge, and arrest record (or criminal history record ordered expunged, sealed, or impounded) or other protected status or characteristic as established by law. The Village interprets these protected statuses broadly to include both the actual status and any perceptions and assumptions made regarding these statuses.
   An applicant or employee shall be considered solely based on qualifications, abilities, skills, and knowledge, with or without reasonable accommodation. Just and equitable incentives and conditions of employment are to be maintained to promote efficiency and economy in the operation of Village government. The Village has officially affirmed this policy statement and it is reaffirmed by its inclusion in this manual.
   The policy of Equal Employment Opportunity applies to all policies and procedures relating to recruiting, hiring, training, promotion, pay, and all personnel actions. The Village complies with Federal and State equal employment opportunity laws and strives to keep the workplace free from all forms of illegal harassment as set forth in its Harassment, Discrimination and Retaliation Prevention Policy.
   The Village also makes reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants and employees with disabilities and for religious reasons, unless doing so creates an undue hardship, in accordance with all legal requirements. Any applicant or employee who requires an accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job should contact the Village Manager or the Director of Human Resources to request that accommodation. We will work with that individual to attempt to identify a reasonable accommodation which will not impose an undue hardship on the Village.
   All employees must follow this policy. Any employee who violates this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
   We are committed to the practice of equal employment opportunity and will not tolerate intimidation or retaliation against employees or applicants because they have engaged in or may engage in filing a complaint of discrimination or retaliation; assisting or participating in an investigation; opposing any act or practice made unlawful by any local, state, or federal law; or for exercising any other legally protected right.
   The Village Manager has overall responsibility for this policy and maintains reporting and monitoring procedures. Employee questions or concerns regarding this policy or violation thereof, should be referred to the Village Manager or the Director of Human Resources. Complaints are investigated immediately and handled as confidentially as possible in accordance with the procedure outlined in the Harassment, Discrimination and Retaliation Prevention Policy. The Village ensures employees following this complaint procedure are protected against retaliation. Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against any employee violating this policy. Please see our Harassment, Discrimination and Retaliation Prevention Policy for information about the Village's policy regarding investigation and resolution of complaints.
(Ord. 23-1853, passed 5-3-23)