I have worked as a teacher at a school for the Deaf in Maryland for the past 3 years. Upon hire, I was told by the chair of the interviewing committee that I will be awarded a permanent position--with leave, sick leave, and all other benefits accorded to state employees--after a year of steady and satisfactory employment. Now after 3 years of steady and satisfactory employment, I have not received assurance of employment for the next academic year. I have yet to receive any unsatisfactory observations or evaluations. Several new employees have been awarded permanent teaching positions, even with less experience or qualifications, and I have been overlooked. I have been informed by several other contractual and permanent employees at this school that their contracts have been renewed whereas I still have to receive a contract for the 2005/2006 academic year. What recourse do I have?

I was told that all contractual employees have to become permanent employees after 3 years of full time contractual employment in Maryland. Is there any truth to this claim? If so, where could the relevant law applicable to this claim be found?

From a legal perspective, you would need to show a link between the failure to provide a contract and your disability (or any other protected status). If you believe that you are a victim of discrimination, you can file a complaint. You can learn more about discrimination at: www.eeoc.gov (http://www.eeoc.gov)