A few weeks ago, I got a draft copy of my employer’s new Employee Handbook. In the equal employment opportunity section, there was a standard list of protected groups: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age and disability. As an LGBT employee, I am aware that I am protected by Maryland State Law, so the fact that sexual orientation wasn’t listed didn’t mean that my job could be threatened. The thing is, though, all of the classes that were listed are also protected by law.
I decided I’d like to see LGBT employees listed, as well (I’m far from the only one here). To that end, I wrote up a proposed change to the policy, and submitted it to HR for review. The new employee handbook came out today, and to my delight, here’s the end result:
In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at MarketResearch.com will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. MarketResearch.com does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law.
I gotta say, I’m just a little bit proud of myself, and today is one of those days I’m proud to work for this company.