State Agency Liaison Unit 

The State Agency Liaison Unit administers and enforces the statutory regulations of the Human Rights Act to ensure state governmental compliance with equal employment opportunity and affirmative action requirements.  The Act requires state executive agencies, boards, commissions, and instrumentalities to rigorously take affirmative action and to provide equal opportunity in employment.  State executive agencies must submit affirmative action plans, quarterly, layoff and other required reports to the Department.

All required reports are reviewed in accordance with the Human Rights Act and modifications are recommended as needed.  The Unit monitors each state executive agency to determine compliance with goals established within its affirmative action plan.  Unit members meet with covered agencies on a regular basis to discuss their affirmative action progress and EEO/AA accomplishments.  The Unit throughout the year provides ongoing technical assistance regarding statutory/regulatory requirements, complaint investigation, disability compliance, and sexual harassment prevention.  The unit also provides training for new agency EEO/AA Officers on developing an affirmative action plan and other required reports.

Annual affirmative action performance profiles are prepared for state executive agencies.  The Unit determines whether remedial efforts by state executive agencies are needed.  Such efforts may include implementation of training programs, month-to-month reporting, and meetings with Directors and other remedies.

Through the Disability Program, consultation and technical assistance on disability issues is provided to agency staff, members of the public, employers, landlords, and organizations serving people with disabilities.  This program serves as a resource on disability-related matters within state government and throughout the state in regards to compliance with the disability provisions of the Human Rights Act.  Through provision of technical assistance in this area, job and housing problems are more likely to be resolved at an early level, resulting in fewer formal charges of discrimination.  The Unit also serves as staff to the Interagency Committee on Employees with Disabilities (ICED), coordinating efforts in regards to ICED programs and activities.