Maine AG EEO/AA Policy Statement: Attorney General Frey Reissues

• Maine Attorney General Aaron M. Frey reissued the Office of the Attorney General's EEO/AA Policy Statement on October 3, 2019.
• The policy mandates non-discrimination in all employment actions, practices, procedures, and conditions within the OAG.
• Shirley Ferland is the OAG's EEO Coordinator, responsible for program implementation, monitoring, record-keeping, and technical assistance.
• Catie Dupont, the State EEO Coordinator in the Bureau of Human Resources, is available as a resource to all state employees and supervisors.
• The Attorney General's office aims to serve as a positive example for other employers in Maine regarding equal opportunity practices.

By publicly reaffirming its commitment to non-discrimination in employment, the OAG sets a high benchmark for fair and equitable practices, encouraging other entities to uphold similar standards.

Maine Attorney General Aaron M. Frey formally reissued the Office of the Attorney General's (OAG) comprehensive Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Affirmative Action (AA) Policy Statement on October 3, 2019. This reissuance underscores the OAG's unwavering commitment to fostering a workplace free from discrimination, ensuring fairness across all employment-related activities, from hiring to daily operations. The policy explicitly covers all employment actions, practices, procedures, and conditions of employment, establishing a clear standard for conduct within the office.

Attorney General Frey's statement also identified key personnel responsible for the diligent oversight and implementation of this critical program. Shirley Ferland has been designated as the OAG's EEO Coordinator, tasked with significant responsibilities to ensure the policy's effectiveness. Her role is central to the day-to-day functioning and integrity of the EEO/AA Program within the Attorney General's office.

Beyond the internal structure, the policy highlights additional resources available to state employees and supervisors. Catie Dupont, serving as the State EEO Coordinator within the Bureau of Human Resources, is explicitly named as an external resource. This dual-layered support system aims to provide comprehensive guidance and assistance to all individuals navigating employment matters within the state government.

The reissued Maine Attorney General Equal Employment Opportunity policy outlines specific responsibilities for its internal coordinator, Shirley Ferland. Her duties encompass the full spectrum of the EEO/AA Program, including its meticulous implementation, continuous monitoring to ensure compliance, and thorough record-keeping. Furthermore, Ms. Ferland is charged with providing essential technical assistance to both applicants seeking employment and current employees of the OAG, acting as a primary point of contact for inquiries and support.

Complementing the internal efforts, the policy statement emphasizes the availability of the State EEO Coordinator, Catie Dupont, who operates from the Bureau of Human Resources. Ms. Dupont serves as a vital resource for any state employee or supervisor seeking guidance or assistance related to equal employment opportunity matters. Her accessibility ensures that individuals have an independent avenue for support and information outside of their immediate office.

For those needing to reach Catie Dupont, the policy provides direct contact information: she can be reached at 207-458-5354. Additionally, for individuals requiring telecommunications assistance, Maine Relay 711 (TTY) is available, ensuring broad accessibility to this important state resource.

The reissuance of the Maine Affirmative Action policy by Attorney General Aaron M. Frey serves as more than just an internal directive; it positions the Office of the Attorney General as a leading example for other employers across the state. By publicly reaffirming its commitment to non-discrimination in employment, the OAG sets a high benchmark for fair and equitable practices, encouraging other entities to uphold similar standards.

Attorney General Frey expressed sincere appreciation for the ongoing cooperation and support from all employees and supervisors within the office. This acknowledgment highlights the collaborative effort required to maintain a successful equal opportunity environment. The collective commitment of the OAG's staff is crucial in ensuring the policy's effectiveness and in projecting the office as a positive model for Maine non-discrimination employment.

This proactive stance not only reinforces the OAG's dedication to its workforce but also signals to the broader public and legal community the continued emphasis on upholding fundamental principles of fairness and equality in employment. The policy statement, therefore, acts as a public declaration of the Attorney General's office's role in championing equitable employment standards throughout Maine.

This reissued policy statement reaffirms the Maine Attorney General's commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action, serving as a public benchmark for employers in the state and identifying key EEO coordinators as resources for compliance guidance. Lawyers and compliance officers should note the continued emphasis on non-discrimination and the availability of state EEO resources.

Source: Original reporting via Maine Attorney General's Office