Employee Handbook 2024

3. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT POLICY Policy: Merritt is proud of its tradition of a collegial work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. Each individual has the right to work in a professional atmosphere which promotes equal opportunities and prohibits discriminatory practices or harassment. In accordance with these principles and applicable laws, it is our policy to make all employment decisions without regard to race (including traits associated with race such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, ethnicity, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, related medical conditions, breast feeding, or reproductive health decisions), age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, health care choices, political affiliation, personal appearance, family responsibilities, matriculation, homeless status, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, a sexual offense or stalking, status as a qualified individual with a disability, veteran status, citizenship status, or any other classification protected by applicable federal, state, or local law (a “Protected Category” or “Protected Categories”). Acts of discrimination or harassment based on any of these Protected Categories will not be allowed, tolerated, or condoned by Merritt, and may subject you to discipline, up to and including termination of employment. Any employee who believes they are a victim of discrimination on the basis of a Protected Category, or who has witnessed or learned of unlawful discrimination, should immediately report the incident by following the reporting procedures set forth in the Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment below. Merritt also complies with all applicable state and local laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of an applicant’s or employee’s credit history or prior criminal record or history. Reasonable Accommodations: • Persons with Disabilities: Merritt is firmly committed to complying with all applicable federal, state and local legislation designed to ensure equal employment opportunities to persons with disabilities. Merritt prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in regard to all employment practices or terms, conditions and privileges of employment. Consistent with this policy and applicable law, upon an employee’s request, Merritt will make reasonable accommodation to the known physical or mental limitations of qualified applicants or employees who are able to perform the essential functions of the job, unless the accommodation would cause an undue hardship on Merritt’s business. • Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Lactation Accommodation Policy: In compliance with applicable law, if a pregnant employee requests an accommodation for a disability or related medical condition caused or contributed to by pregnancy (including childbirth or related conditions, such as lactation), Merritt will explore reasonable accommodations with the pregnant employee, and it will endeavor to provide a

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