DIVERSITY, EQUITY
ANDÂ INCLUSION
WHO WE ARE​
OPD is comprised of hundreds of employees all united to achieve a common goal: providing client-centered representation which promotes justice, fairness, and the dignified treatment of our clients. To satisfy this mission, we embrace the interdependence of each district, division, and professional unit within our organization. We recognize that no single employee can fulfill our mission alone and every employee must be included in the work and the conversations.
Inclusion Code of Conduct
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The Maryland Office of the Public Defender (OPD) is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where every employee feels respected, valued, and empowered. We celebrate the unique experiences, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds that each team member brings to our organization and strive to ensure that inclusivity remains a fundamental part of our work environment.
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Our Commitment to Inclusion To support and sustain an inclusive workplace, OPD pledges to:
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Provide ongoing education and training on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) for all employees.
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Ensure a safe and accessible avenue for employees to voice concerns regarding DEI matters.
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Code of Conduct All OPD employees play an essential role in upholding an inclusive and respectful workplace. Employees are expected to:
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Treat all colleagues with dignity and respect at all times.
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Address and report any inappropriate behavior, including discrimination, harassment, or offensive comments.
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Encourage teamwork and the representation of diverse perspectives within the workplace.
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Seek insights from colleagues with different backgrounds and experiences.
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Use inclusive language and avoid slang or idioms that may not translate across cultures.
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Challenge decisions or behaviors influenced by conscious or unconscious bias.
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Remain open-minded and receptive to constructive feedback regarding their conduct.
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At OPD, we strive to embed equity, accessibility, and inclusion into our policies and daily practices. While we hope that all employees experience this commitment, we recognize that there may be times when issues arise. If you witness or experience conduct that stereotypes, excludes, or harms any member of our community, we encourage you to speak up.
The Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is available to listen without judgment, discuss concerns, and recommend next steps and resources based on your preferences. You can contact the Director directly or submit a concern anonymously through this form: Anonymous Reporting Form.
THE DEI MISSION STATEMENT
OPD is ALL in!
At OPD, our differences help us help our clients. Recognizing, respecting, and understanding our differences will make us supportive colleagues, better listeners, and successful advocates.
Our races, ethnicities, national origins, gender identities, ages, religious beliefs, disabilities, and who we love make up who we are as a collective. It is MOPD’s joint mission to continue evolving in this aspect by recruiting diverse talent, investing in their professional development, increasing cultural awareness, and promoting an environment that will continue to be a safe space for all.
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