DIVERSITY STATEMENT:

STATE OF ILLINOIS

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During 1996-NOV, Governor Edgar of Illinois issued the following executive order. It took effect a few days later, after it was filed with the state Senate.

Adminstrative Order Number 2 (1996)
Directive to all Directors and Agency Heads Regarding Prohibition of Discrimination

Section 302.790 of the Personnel Rules, Prohibition of Discrimination issued by the Department of Central Management Services, states:

"Discrimination against any person in recruitment, examination, appointment, training, promotion, retention, or any other personnel transaction, because of religion, race, national origin, sex, age, handicap, or any other non-merit factor is prohibited except where such may be a bona fide job qualification."

I want to reemphasize the policy of this administration prohibiting discrimination and further clarify that any other non-merit factor includes, but is not limited to, sexual orientation. While the rule applies directly to employment decisions covered by the Personnel Code, the policy of non-discrimination should be followed in all employment decisions, regardless of whether they involve positions covered by the Personnel Code.

Please ensure that your employees are aware of this policy, and that appropriate language explicitly reflecting this prohibition against discrimination based on sexual orientation is contained in your agency Policy Manuals and/or Employee Handbooks.