Maine Attorney General: Details Non-Discrimination Policy

• The Maine Attorney General's Office prohibits discrimination across its services, programs, and activities based on numerous protected characteristics.
• This non-discrimination policy is mandated by a comprehensive set of federal laws, including the ADA and Rehabilitation Act, and the Maine Human Rights Act.
• An internal EEO Coordinator manages compliance and grievance procedures, offering resources like policy statements and modification guidelines.
• Individuals can also contact the State of Maine's ADA Coordinator or file external complaints with bodies like the Maine Human Rights Commission or the U.S. Department of Justice.
• The office provides auxiliary aids and information in alternate formats to ensure effective communication and accessibility for all.

The existence and clear articulation of the Maine Attorney General's non-discrimination policy are vital for fostering public trust and ensuring equitable access to justice and governmental services.

The Office of the Attorney General in Maine maintains a clear non-discrimination policy, affirming its commitment to equal access and treatment for all individuals interacting with its services, programs, and activities. This comprehensive policy explicitly prohibits discrimination based on a wide range of characteristics, including physical or mental disability, race, color, creed, age, sex, sexual orientation, religion, ancestry, and national origin. The policy, reissued on October 3, 2019, under Attorney General Aaron M. Frey, underscores the state's dedication to upholding civil rights within its highest legal office.

This commitment extends to ensuring that all members of the public can engage with the Attorney General's office without facing prejudice. The policy serves as a foundational document, guiding the conduct and operations of the office to foster an environment of inclusivity. It highlights the proactive stance taken by the Maine Attorney General to prevent discriminatory practices across all facets of its public engagement and service delivery, forming the core of the Maine Attorney General non-discrimination policy.

The Maine Attorney General's non-discrimination policy is firmly rooted in a robust framework of both federal and state statutes, ensuring broad legal backing for its provisions. This includes adherence to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. § 12131 et seq.), which specifically addresses discrimination against individuals with disabilities by state and local government entities, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. § 794), further reinforcing protections for those with disabilities. The policy also incorporates Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. §§ 1981, 2000d et seq.), prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in programs receiving federal financial assistance.

Further federal mandates underpinning this policy include the Age Discrimination Act (42 U.S.C. § 6101 et seq.), the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. § 3789d), the Victims of Crime Act (42 U.S.C. § 10601 et seq.), and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq.). Crucially, the policy also ensures compliance with the Maine Human Rights Act (5 M.R.S. § 4551 et seq.), a pivotal state law that mirrors and often expands upon federal protections, solidifying the Maine AG's equal opportunity policy. These combined legal authorities provide a comprehensive shield against various forms of discrimination, ensuring Maine Human Rights Act compliance.

To facilitate compliance and address potential grievances, the Office of the Attorney General has designated an Equal Employment Opportunity Coordinator (EEO Coordinator). This individual is responsible for coordinating the office's efforts to meet the requirements of the aforementioned federal laws and regulations. Individuals seeking information regarding these statutes, or wishing to understand the grievance procedure for alleged violations, can direct their inquiries to the EEO Coordinator. Upon request, the Coordinator can provide copies of the office’s EEO/AA Policy Statement, as well as its Reasonable Modification Guidelines and Grievance Procedure. The EEO Coordinator can be reached at 6 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0006, by phone at 207-626-8800, or via Maine Relay 711 (TTY).

For concerns specifically related to the Americans with Disabilities Act Maine AG and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act Maine, individuals also have the option to contact the State of Maine's ADA Coordinator. This state-level resource is available at 2 Anthony Avenue, 150 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0150, by calling 207-623-7950, through Maine Relay 711 (TTY), or by fax at 207-287-5292. Beyond internal channels, individuals alleging discrimination under these laws can file a formal complaint with external bodies such as the Maine Human Rights Commission, the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, or any other relevant court or governmental agency, outlining a clear Maine AG discrimination complaint procedure. The office also ensures accessibility by inviting individuals needing auxiliary aids or services for effective communication to inform the EEO Coordinator, and states that information is available in alternate formats upon request.

The existence and clear articulation of the Maine Attorney General's non-discrimination policy are vital for fostering public trust and ensuring equitable access to justice and governmental services. By explicitly outlining prohibited discriminatory practices and providing multiple avenues for redress, the office demonstrates its commitment to serving all residents of Maine fairly. This policy not only protects individuals from unlawful discrimination but also sets a standard for other public entities in their adherence to civil rights legislation.

The detailed provisions for internal and external complaint resolution, coupled with specific contact information for both the EEO Coordinator and the State ADA Coordinator, empower citizens to address grievances effectively. Furthermore, the proactive offer of auxiliary aids and information in alternate formats highlights a dedication to inclusive communication, ensuring that disability status does not impede access to essential government functions. This comprehensive approach reinforces the principle that government services should be accessible and non-discriminatory for everyone.

This document serves as a procedural guide for lawyers advising clients who believe they have experienced discrimination in interactions with the Maine Attorney General's office, detailing internal contacts and external complaint avenues. It also provides a comprehensive example of a public entity's non-discrimination policy, referencing key federal and state statutes for compliance officers.

Source: Original reporting based on the Maine AG's policy document.