Equality Texas Applauds DART for Expanding Its Non-Discrimination Employment Policy
Equality Texas Political Director Randall Terrell testified at Tuesday’s hearing. “I was thrilled to see the Board members unanimously adopt an inclusive non-discrimination policy. This builds upon the leadership they demonstrated 15 years ago when they adopted protections based upon sexual orientation. Now, we look forward to working with them as they craft an even stronger policy.”
At the June 15th meeting, the language recommended by DART staff stated: “DART is committed to hiring, promoting and retaining the best qualified persons in all positions and, to the extent permitted by federal and/or Texas law, DART will not discriminate on the basis of….”, but it was amended to read, “DART is committed to hiring, promoting and retaining the best qualified persons in all positions and, except [emphasis added] to the extent permitted by federal and/or Texas law, DART will not discriminate on the basis of….”
Some legal analysts claimed that the addition of the word “except” effectively removes all discretionary protections in DART’s non-discrimination policy. Tuesday’s vote removed the word “except” from the policy.
Lisa Scheps, Executive Director of Transgender Education Network of Texas, called Tuesday’s vote a step in the right direction, “We applauded DART’s unanimous vote to add protection based on gender identity. We look forward to working with them to make the best policy possible.”
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