Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania 

  
 

 

 
POLICY ON NON-DISCRIMINATION AND EQUAL 
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY 

  

Question and Answer Guide 

What does this policy mean to me? 

he purpose of this policy is to ensure that all individuals having business with the Unified Judicial 

System of Pennsylvania (UJS) are treated in a respectful and non-discriminatory manner.  Individuals 

covered by the policy are expected to treat others with respect while working for the UJS in a court 

facility, and in turn should be treated in a similar manner. 

Conduct prohibited by this policy, includes 1) discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, 

sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, or religion and/or, 

2) retaliation against someone who complains about harassment or discrimination or cooperates with 

an investigation.  Covered individuals may be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.  Individuals 

who observe or are made aware of conduct prohibited by this policy should immediately report the 

concerns.  Supervisors have a responsibility to ensure that prohibited conduct does not occur, or is 

properly reported, if observed.  

Is this a new policy? 

o.  The Pennsylvania Judiciary has been an equal opportunity employer, and strongly adhered to 

non-discriminatory  workplace  practices  (prior  to  the  implementation  of  this  policy  in  2008).    The 

policy promotes the fair and equal treatment of those who work for or have business in the courts 

and extends the concept across the UJS. 

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Although  many court-related,  independently elected offices maintain their own non-discriminatory 

policies, this policy articulates the Supreme Court’s clear intent that hiring, workplace, and business 

practices should be conducted without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or 

expression, national origin, age, disability, or religion. 

  
How can I do my part to ensure compliance with this policy? 

iscrimination can unfairly deny individuals access to equal justice and/or opportunities. It impedes 

morale and productivity and can damage the courts’ reputation.  Discriminatory behaviors take many 

forms, but they all involve some form of exclusion or rejection.  To ensure compliance with this policy, 

consider the following: 

Remain Objective by: 

Educate Yourself  by thoroughly reading the policy and reporting procedures. 

· Treating everyone fairly and don’t allow bias or stereotypes to affect your decisions. 

· Representing the courts in a positive, fair, and professional manner. 

· Considering all perspectives when approaching an issue or situation. 
 

ho is Covered? 

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· Personnel of the System  

· Related Staff  

· Supreme Court Boards and Committees  

· Court Users  

What should I do if I experience/observe prohibited conduct? 

f  you  believe  you  have  been  harassed  or  discriminated  against  based  on  race,  color,  sex,  sexual 

orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, or religion, or you witnessed 

an incident of harassment or discrimination in a court facility, you should promptly report the behavior 

as outlined in the complaint procedures. 

If you feel you have been retaliated against, you should promptly report your concerns as outlined in 

the complaint procedures.  The Policy on Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunity 

prohibits retaliation against any person who:  

· complains about harassment or discrimination,  

· files a harassment or discrimination complaint, or  

· cooperates with, or assists in, the investigation of such complaints. 

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Where can I get more information? 

opies of the policy and complaint procedures are posted prominently within court facilities and on 

the Pennsylvania Judiciary’s website at: www.pacourts.us/judicial-administration/human-resources. 

For general information on bias and discrimination, you can refer to the resources in the Achieving Fairness 

through  Bias-Free  Behavior  Handbook,  published  by  the  Pennsylvania  Interbranch  Commission  for 

Gender, Racial and Ethnic Fairness.   

For answers to policy questions, you may contact the Human Resources Department at the 

Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC) at (717) 231-3309 or by email at                         

Human.Resources@pacourts.us.   

Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania 

www.pacourts.us 

  

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