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National News ::

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Federal ENDA Introduced

Friday, 26 June 2009 08:36

Ending workplace discrimination is one of Equality South Dakota’s primary goals. We are seeking protections in federal and state law so no matter what size your employer is or which law governs them, they will be sensitized to the importance of treating all employees without regard to their sexual orientation or gender identity.

This week we’re a little closer to seeing a federal law, thanks to the introduction of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) in the US House of Representatives. It was introduced June 24 by Reps. Barney Frank (D-MA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Jared Polis (D-CO) as HR 3017. Over 100 bi-partisan sponsors have signed on.

Representative Herseth Sandlin has not yet added her name to the list of co-sponsors but we are hoping she will in the coming weeks. Equality South Dakota has sought to meet with her, and has written to her on the topic . We’ve shared the results from an independent poll conducted in October 2008 showing that 77% of South Dakotans support the state's Congressional delegation voting for ENDA.

Please add your voice to our request. Take action today to encourage Rep. Herseth Sandlin to co-sponsor this important legislation.  Click here for more information.
 

State News ::

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Vermillion School Board Adopts Inclusive Policy

Friday, 26 June 2009 08:05

On Monday June 22, after urging from a wide range of community supporters, the Vermillion School Board voted 4-1 to add sexual orientation and gender identity to its non-discrimination policy. 


The Vermillion School District joins the Brookings, Sioux Falls, and Pierre School Districts, the Board of Regents, as well as the cities of Vermillion, Lead, and Brookings, Minnehaha and Shannon Counties, and the majority of large private employers in adopting inclusive policies, that simply tell employees that what matters is the quality of the work -- not someone's sexual orientation or gender identity.  Equality South Dakota is proud that the district has recognized the need for this forward-thinking policy, largely thanks to the broad grassroots support among members of the community, including pastors, parents, graduates of the district, and elected officials.

Local media picked up the story. You can read The Vermillion Plain Talk's coverage of the meeting here.  

Want to encourage your city, school district, or employer to become a champion of diversity?  Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for details.

   

State News ::

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VICTORY in Shannon County!

Tuesday, 28 April 2009 17:53

Recently, Shannon County unanimously voted to add sexual orientation and gender identity to its non-discrimination policy.  They now have joined the ranks of many public and private employers in South Dakota, including Minnehaha County, the Cities of Brookings and Lead, and the Pierre, Brookings, and Sioux Falls school districts.

As we've seen in places like Brookings, Shannon County recognizes that equality is a no-brainer.  They recognize that discrimination is simply wrong, and that they have no intention of discriminating against anyone based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.  With that in mind, they've decided that it makes sense to include those intentions in their policies.  Shannon County is now part of a growing groundswell of support that is building across the state, among a broad variety of employers.  We hope that cities and counties in the area and across South Dakota will adopt 21st century non-discrimination policies, just as Shannon County has.

Want to keep the momentum going in your area?  Email us at info [at] eqsd.org to find out how to get involved in our Workplace Fairness Project.

   

State News ::

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Aberdeen School Board declines pro-equality policy

Tuesday, 31 March 2009 14:24

On Monday, March 23, the Aberdeen School Board became the latest entity in South Dakota to consider updating its district-wide employment policy to protect employees on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.  Unfortunately, although the Sioux Falls, Pierre, and Brookings School Districts all have similar policies, the Aberdeen School Board opted not to be part of the growing trend.  The board voted 6-0 to keep its current policy, which provides protections on the basis of only race, sex, religion, national origin, and disability.
In his comments to the board during the meeting, school board attorney Rory King noted that although he did not feel it was appropriate for the school board to address employment discrimination against LGBT employees, he did feel that the state should take up the issue.  Because a number of school board members expressed similar opinions, we're hopeful that they would pass a resolution urging the state legislature to change its law to protect employees.
Even such a resolution won't be an easy win, however.  Our work has now drawn the attention of the South Dakota Family Policy Council, a statewide anti-equality group.  They are well-funded and well-connected...which means we'll need your help to reach as many people with our message as possible.  Click here to tell your friends, family, co-workers, and people you worship with about how to get involved in supporting equality!
   

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