Section 187-A:16-a - Prohibition on Preferential Treatment and DiscriminationI.(a) Within the state college and university system, there shall be no preferential treatment or discrimination in recruiting, hiring, promotion, or admission based on race, sex, national origin, religion, or sexual orientation. (b) Within the state college and university system, there shall be no discrimination based on an applicant's or employee's law enforcement, military, or veteran status.II. Notwithstanding paragraph I: (a) Nothing in this section shall be interpreted as prohibiting bona fide qualifications based on sex which are reasonably necessary to the normal operation of public employment, public education, or public contracting.(b) Nothing in this section shall be interpreted as invalidating any court order or consent decree which is in force as of the effective date of this section.Amended by 2020, 34:22, eff. 9/26/2020.Added by 2011, 227:2, eff. 1/1/2012. 2011, 227:2, eff. Jan. 1, 2012. 2020, 34:22, eff. Sept. 26, 2020.