EXECUTIVE
ORDER 84-10
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION IN STATE GOVERNMENT SUPERSEDES EO 77-10, 79-08, 81-02
WHEREAS, the integrity and well-being of the state are based upon the participation and productivity of all its citizens in the economic mainstream, and the state of Washington as a major employer should offer leadership in the area of equal opportunity and affirmative action in order to affect both the impact and visibility of affirmative action programs across the state; and WHEREAS, the state's leadership in affirmative action programs can provide a model for private business and local government employers to improve employment practices and eradicate artificial barriers to employment; and WHEREAS, after many years of effort in addressing these problems, we have not yet completely achieved the goals of affirmative action and have not yet completely eliminated the inequities in state government; and WHEREAS, analysis of current state government employment shows under-representation of women, ethnic minorities, handicapped persons, and Vietnam-era veterans in certain geographical areas and/or agencies and within various job categories, particularly those at higher levels of responsibility; and WHEREAS, corrective action is necessary as a method of achieving an employment profile in state government that is representative of our (available) work force; and WHEREAS, the effort of all of our citizens and employers will be needed to achieve the goals we have set for ourselves in public policy, laws, and regulations for affirmative action; NOW, THEREFORE, I, John Spellman, Governor of the state of Washington, by virtue of the power vested in me, do hereby: Affirm my commitment to vigorously support equal employment opportunity in all areas of state government and to ensure freedom from discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, or the presence of a physical, sensory, or mental handicap, in accordance with state and federal laws; andDirect that barriers to employment of the handicapped be eliminated and that reasonable accommodations be made to ensure the inclusion of handicapped individuals in the work force; and Direct that all state departments and agencies continue to improve the employment opportunities for Vietnam-era veterans; and In an effort to employ designated under-represented groups in all job categories according to goals approved by the Governor's Office in cooperation with the Department of Personnel (DOP) and the Higher Education Personnel Board (HEPB), and with consideration of the Affirmative Action Policy Committee recommendation, direct that all state departments and agencies and higher education institutions use corrective employment measures outlined under Washington Administrative Codes (WAC) covering employment based on Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 49.60, and comply with Federal Executive Order 11246 as amended by 11375, Vietnam Era Readjustment Action of 1974, Section 503 Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1974, Age Discrimination Action of 1967 as amended, and such regulations, and implement them; and Encourage private industry and business to join with state government in our continuing efforts to eradicate all forms of employment discrimination and to institute result-oriented Affirmative Action Procedures and Plans. 2. Establish and maintain an affirmative action program for the agency/institution. The agency/institution shall establish goals and objectives for the employment and promotion of ethnic minorities, women, handicapped persons and disabled and Vietnam-era veterans, with target dates and supportive systems, and shall comply with all applicable RCWs and WACs and the Federal laws, rules, and regulations where appropriately applied. 2. Approve affirmative action plans submitted through the Department of Personnel which meet guidelines established by the Department of Personnel. 3. Approve affirmative action plans submitted through the HEPB which meet guidelines established by the HEPB. 4. Review and evaluate reports and guidelines submitted by the Department of Personnel and the Higher Education Personnel Board to determine the extent to which the state is meeting the employment needs of all protected groups and affirmative action obligations under Federal and state laws, regulations, and policies. 5. Submit semi-annual reports to the Governor outlining the progress of the state in meeting its goals and timetables. 6. Submit recommendations to the Governor for any further action which it deems appropriate. 2. Review agencies' affirmative action plans and progress reports against established guidelines and state policies. Recommend to the Affirmative Action Policy Committee approval of such plans or corrective action as needed. 3. Develop and implement a positive hiring program to include additional target recruiting, verification of the job- relatedness of examinations, educational workshops, and other training programs. 4. Develop a reporting system for monitoring the progress of each agency toward achieving its goals, including a statistical analysis of present work force. 5. Submit semi-annual reports to the Office of the Governor, the Affirmative Action Policy Committee, and the Human Rights Commission. 2. Review institutions' affirmative action plans and progress reports against established guidelines and state policies. Recommend to the Affirmative Action Policy Committee approval of such plans or corrective action as needed. 3. Assist higher education institutions in the development and implementation of a positive hiring program to include: target recruiting, verification of the job-relatedness of examinations, educational workshops, and other training programs. 4. Develop a reporting system for monitoring the progress of each higher education institution toward achieving its goals, including a statistical analysis of present work forces. 5. Submit semi-annual reports to the Office of the Cover-nor, the Affirmative Action Policy Committee, and the Human Rights Commission. 2. Provide appropriate training in coordination with the Department of Personnel and the HEPB through workshops or other educational programs to state agencies/institutions regarding the interpretation and application of Federal and state laws and other regulations applying to equal employment opportunity. 3. Review agencies'/institutions' affirmative action plans and progress reports and advise the Affirmative Action Policy Committee, Department of Personnel, and HEPB regarding agencies'/institutions' compliance with applicable Federal and state laws, regulations, and policies. 4. Where consistent with the Commission authority, enforce all applicable Federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to nondiscrimination and laws affecting all protected groups to ensure compliance with the content and spirit of this Executive Order. 2. Take such additional action as is deemed necessary to continue an effective affirmative action program for the state of Washington. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused
the seal of the State of Washington to be
affixed at Olympia this 18th day of May
A.D., Nineteen hundred and eighty-four. John
Spellman Governor of Washington BY THE GOVERNOR: _________________________________ Secretary of State
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