9.323.010 Definitions.
In this subtitle, the following words have the meanings indicated:
(a) “Discrimination” means a policy, practice, or procedure that limits or adversely affects a term, condition, or privilege of employment including hiring, promotion, transfer opportunities, or other working conditions, on the basis of an individual’s protected class or any other characteristic or conduct protected by law.
(b) “EEO” means equal employment opportunity.
(c) “EEO Officer” means the WSSC Equal Employment Opportunity Officer.
(d)
(1) “Harassment” means unwelcome or unsolicited conduct or comments that target an individual based on that individual’s protected class and are sufficiently severe or pervasive that they interfere with the individual’s ability to perform work assignments or create a hostile or intimidating working environment.
(2) “Harassment” includes:
(i) Verbal harassment;
(ii) Visual harassment;
(iii) Physical harassment; and
(iv) Sexual harassment.
(e)
(1) “Protected class” means an individual’s characteristics that may not be used to discriminate or harass that individual.
(2) “Protected class” includes race, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, color, religion, sex, age, marital or domestic partnership status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, pregnancy, parental status, military or veteran’s status, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, refusal to submit to a genetic test, refusal to make available the results of a genetic test, or any other characteristic or conduct protected by law.
(f) “Protected EEO activity” includes:
(1) Opposing an employment practice reasonably believed to be unlawful by EEO law, regulation, or policy; and
(2) Participating in the EEO process by:
(i) Raising a claim; or
(ii) Testifying, assisting, or participating in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing under any EEO law, regulation, or policy.
(g) “Retaliation” means an adverse action taken against an employee because of that employee’s engagement in protected EEO activities. (Document dated September 1, 2020)