The U.S. Department of Labor has announced its full commitment to implementing equal employment opportunity policies for all department employees and applicants.
In addition to ensuring equal protections for all employees and applicants on the bases of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, parental status and sexual orientation, additional classifications include gender identity and pregnancy.
"I am expressing my personal commitment to ensure that the U.S. Department of Labor is a model workplace, free from unlawful discrimination and harassment, which fosters a work environment that fully utilizes the capabilities of every employee," said Labor Secretary Hilda Solis. "It is my goal that we achieve and maintain a high-quality, diverse workforce at all organizational levels throughout the department."
The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force praised the additions, with Executive Director Rea Carey saying in a press release, "With this change, the federal government is doing what smart employers in the private sector have been doing for years. They know that in order to attract the best talent they need to show that diversity is important to their companies.
"The Department of Labor's announcement makes it clear that it is a place that values diversity and allows people to contribute their talents and skills free from discrimination."