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Log Cabin Republicans Challenge Don't Ask, Don't Tell

Wednesday, 01 July 2009 19:18

Los Angeles, CA) - On June 9, 2009, Judge Virginia A. Phillips of the Central District of California denied the U.S. Government's attempt to dismiss Log Cabin Republicans' lawsuit challenging the U.S. military's ‘Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy as unconstitutional. Judge Phillips' ruling is the culmination of a 4½-year effort to reach a preliminary ruling on the merits of the case.

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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.
   

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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.

   

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