Section VIII: Policies

Equal Employment Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and Anti-Discrimination Policy

General Statement of Policy

It is the policy of the executive branch of state government in the State of Iowa to “Provide equal employment opportunity within state government to all persons.” (Iowa Code chapter 19B.) The intent of this policy is to ensure that individuals are not denied equal access to state employment opportunities because of their race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, consistent with applicable state and federal policies and regulations. It is also the policy of the executive branch of state government in the State of Iowa to apply affirmative action measures to correct the underutilization of females, minorities, and persons with disabilities in the state employment system whenever remedial measures are appropriate.

Full Policy 

For the full text of the State of Iowa's EEO/AA, and Anti-Discrimination Policy, see Appendix A.

Policy Prohibiting Sexual Harassment

General Statement of Policy

The State of Iowa executive branch is committed to providing a workplace that is free from sexual harassment. State executive branch employees shall not engage in sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is a violation of both federal and state statute. Specifically, harassment on the basis of sex is a violation of Section 703 Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 2000e et seq.) as amended and Iowa Code section 19B.12 and chapter 216. Sexual harassment based on real or perceived sexual orientation is a violation of Iowa Code chapter 216.

Allegations of sexual harassment will be taken seriously and prompt investigation will occur. It is the policy of the State of Iowa executive branch to maintain the confidentiality of sexual harassment complaints and investigations to the greatest extent possible. Complaints and records relating to complaints are confidential and not subject to disclosure under Iowa’s open records laws.

Full Policy

For the full text of the Policy Prohibiting Sexual Harassment for Executive Branch Employees, see Appendix B.

Zero Tolerance Policy

General Statement of Policy

The Executive Branch does not tolerate Prohibited Sexual Harassment and disciplinary action will result for any merit or non-merit employee who engages in such harassment. Certain Prohibited Sexual Harassment may violate federal and/or state anti-discrimination laws when it results in a tangible employment action or becomes so severe or pervasive that it creates a hostile work environment. Disciplinary action will be taken even when the Prohibited Sexual Harassment is not otherwise actionable under federal and/or state anti- discrimination laws.

Full Policy

For the full text of the Zero Tolerance Policy, see Appendix C.

Drug-Free Workplace and Substance Abuse Policies

General Statement of Policy

The State is committed to maintaining a safe work environment free from the use, abuse, and effects of alcohol, drugs, and controlled substances.

The policies set forth expectations and identify prohibited conduct related to alcohol, drugs, and controlled substances. The policies discuss drug and alcohol dependencies as treatable illnesses. If you are in need of help, you are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the State’s Employee Assistance Program.

Full Policies

For the full text of the State of Iowa's Drug-Free Workplace Policy, see Appendix D. 

For the full text of the State of Iowa's Substance Abuse Policy, see Appendix E.

Smoking and Tobacco Use Policy

General Statement of Policy

The purpose of this policy is to establish a smoke-free environment for employees and the public as they transact business with or receive services from the State. This policy facilitates compliance with Iowa’s Smokefree Air Act and administrative rules governing the use of tobacco-related products. The Iowa Smokefree Air Act was enacted in Iowa Code chapter 142D to improve the health of Iowans by reducing the level of exposure to environmental tobacco smoke. Administrative rules related to this policy can be found at 641 IAC 153 and 11 IAC 100.3.

The policy identifies prohibited and authorized activities related to smoking and the use of tobacco- related products. The State recognizes employees may need assistance in stopping the use of tobacco products. If you are in need of help, you are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the State’s Employee Assistance Program.

Full Policy

For the full text of the State of Iowa's Smoking and Tobacco Use Policy, see Appendix F.

Social Media Policy

General Statement of Policy

The policy sets forth expectations for both personal and professional use of social networking, social media, or web-based information sharing/open communication sites. The policy further identifies prohibited actions related to the use of such sites.

Full Policy

For the full text of the State of Iowa's Social Media Policy, see Appendix G.

Violence-Free Workplace Policy

General Statement of Policy

The State of Iowa is committed to providing a work environment free from threats, intimidation, harassment, and acts of violence against the public, vendors, clients, customers, and employees. The State of Iowa further establishes, as its vision, all of its officials and employees will treat each other and those they serve with courtesy, dignity, and respect.

Full Policy

For the full text of the State of Iowa's Violence-Free Workplace Policy, see Appendix H.