Frequently Asked Questions

It is against Maryland law and the policy of the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) to discriminate in employment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, marital status, sexual preference, gender identity or expression, genetic information, genetic testing, creed, pregnancy, and ancestry.

Q. Who can file a complaint with the Department?

A. Employees (Career Service, Contractual, Executive Service) or applicants.

Q. How do I file a complaint?

A. Call, write or visit the Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO) and describe the situation you feel was discriminatory. An experienced Equal Opportunity Officer will listen, advise, assist and ask that you complete an MDOT SHA complaint form. Internal complaints must be filed within 30 days of the date on which the alleged act of discrimination occurred.

Q. What happens after I file a complaint?

A. If the Equal Opportunity Officer determines that your complaint meets the legal requirements for filing a complaint of employment discrimination, MDOT SHA will conduct an investigation.

OEO will  advise you of your options and responsibilities as the complaint is investigated. When the investigation is complete, the investigator will write a final report based upon the determined facts. The report will be reviewed by the Director, OEO or designee, who will make a final determination indicating whether there is reason to believe that a discriminatory act occurred.

Once the report is approved, the complainant will receive notice of the outcome. As appropriate the complainant will be advised of the actions taken to remedy the discrimination. If the complainant is not satisfied with the results of the investigation, OEO will explain the right to file a complaint with an outside agency.