The CCPS has adopted an internal grievance procedure providing for prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging any discriminatory action prohibited by applicable laws. Any person who believes she or he has been subjected to discrimination on the basis of disability may file a grievance under this procedure. It is against the law for the CCPS or any of its employees to retaliate against anyone who files a grievance or cooperates in the investigation of a grievance.
Grievances or complaints related to allegations of discrimination should be addressed to the Director of Human Resources, 125 North Court Street, Westminster, Maryland 21157, (410) 751-3070.
Procedure:
Grievances must be submitted to the Director of Human Resources within 20 calendar days of the date the person filing the grievance becomes aware of the alleged discriminatory action.
A complaint must be in writing, containing the name and address of the person filing it. The complaint must state the problem or action alleged to be discriminatory and the remedy or relief sought.
The Director of Human Resources (or her/his designee) shall conduct an investigation of the complaint. This investigation may be informal, but it must be thorough, affording all interested persons an opportunity to submit evidence related to the complaint. The Director of Human Resources will maintain the files and records for the CCPS relating to such grievances.
The Director of Human Resources (or her/his designee) will issue a written decision on the grievance no later than 30 days after its filing.
The person filing the grievance may appeal the decision of the written decision from the Director of Human Resources (or her/his designee) by writing to the Superintendent of Schools within 15 days of receiving the Director of Human Resources (or her/his designee). The Superintendent of Schools shall issue a written decision in response to the appeal no later than 30 days after its filing.
The availability and use of this grievance procedure does not prevent a person from filing a complaint of discrimination with the U. S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or the Maryland Commission on Human Relations. In addition, employees may submit a grievance in accordance with the terms of their negotiated collective bargaining agreements.
The CCPS will make appropriate arrangements to ensure that persons with disabilities are provided other accommodations, if needed, to participate in this grievance process. Such arrangements may include, but are not limited to, providing interpreters for the deaf, providing recordings of material for the blind, or assuring a barrier-free location for the proceedings. The Director of Human Resources will be responsible for such arrangements.
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