Policy Acknowledgment
Equal Opportunity Employment and Non-Discrimination Policy
MBECA provides equal opportunity in the review, selection, engagement, and participation of all applicants, consultants, workshop presenters, contractors, employees, volunteers, vendors, partners, and program participants. MBECA does not discriminate or permit harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity where protected by applicable law, national origin, age, disability, protected genetic information, sickle cell trait, or any other status protected by applicable federal, Louisiana, or local law.
Fair Review and Selection
Applications, proposals, and requests for participation are reviewed based on business need, qualifications, experience, professional background, submitted materials, program fit, availability, and the ability to support MBECA clients and programming. MBECA will not use a protected characteristic as a basis for approving, denying, ranking, assigning, compensating, or terminating any applicant, consultant, contractor, partner, or program participant.
Harassment and Retaliation
MBECA expects all applicants, consultants, staff, volunteers, and participants to maintain a professional environment free from unlawful harassment, intimidation, retaliation, or hostile conduct. MBECA prohibits retaliation against anyone who raises a good-faith concern, requests a reasonable accommodation, participates in a review, or reports suspected discrimination or harassment.
Reasonable Accommodation
MBECA will consider reasonable accommodation requests related to disability, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, sincerely held religious belief or practice, or another legally protected need, unless doing so would create an undue hardship or fundamentally alter the program or opportunity.
Applicant Acknowledgment
By checking the policy box on any MBECA application or participation form, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to follow this Equal Opportunity Employment and Non-Discrimination Policy. I understand that MBECA may review concerns related to discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or failure to follow this policy, and that violations may affect eligibility for current or future MBECA opportunities.
This policy is intended to reflect MBECA standards and applicable equal opportunity principles under federal and Louisiana law. It is not intended to limit any rights or remedies available under applicable law.