A Message from Robert M. Bell, Chief Judge

The only real power a judiciary has is the trust and confidence of the people it serves; therefore, access and fairness must be its motto and its mantra.  The latter applies as fully to its role as employer as to its role as dispute resolver.

Accordingly, not only must the Maryland Judiciary strive always to foster a work environment where the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) are willingly embraced and diversity is valued and understood, it must be fully committed to the principles of EEO, equity, and diversity in the workplace.  That means always adhering to policy of ensuring equal employment opportunity, prohibiting unlawful discrimination, retaliation and harassment in all its forms.  In doing so, the perception and the reality of fairness will, as it should, coalesce.

I affirm that no employee will be denied equal opportunity because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, protected genetic status, or prior EEO activity.

Chief Judge Robert M. Bell