[mailto:Secretaryhildasolis@dol.gov]<\/span><\/a>
Sent:<\/b> Thursday, June 23, 2011
Subject:<\/b> A Lesson from Bayard Rustin <\/span><\/div>\nDear Colleagues: <\/span><\/p>\nThis week, our elevator poster features Bayard Rustin.\u00a0 Too many people don\u2019t know who he was and what he did.\u00a0 That\u2019s a shame.<\/span><\/div>\nRustin was a counselor to A. Philip Randolph and Rev. Martin Luther King. \u00a0He was also the chief organizer of the 1963 March on Washington where Dr. King delivered his famous \u201cI Have a Dream\u201d speech\u2014an event I believe changed our country in so many positive ways.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\nRustin was also gay, and at the time, other people\u2019s homophobia, fear and intolerance compromised his effectiveness and his potential. \u00a0He had to stay \u201cbehind the scenes\u201d and was rarely credited publicly for his amazing skill and accomplishments.\u00a0 As a result, and until fairly recently, he was \u201cwritten out\u201d of the civil rights movement\u2019s history.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\nThere\u2019s a lesson here, and I think it\u2019s relevant to each and every one of us. As we do our work to create jobs, spur economic growth, keep workplaces safe and free of discrimination, and ensure that the American people are educated and trained to be the most competitive in the world . . . every<\/i> U.S. Department of Labor employee\u2019s talent must be brought to these important tasks.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\nWe don\u2019t have a person to lose\u2013across our nation and here at the department.\u00a0 <\/span><\/div>\nThe administration takes this seriously.\u00a0 That\u2019s why we repealed<\/a> \u201cDon\u2019t Ask. Don\u2019t Tell\u201d so that gay, lesbian and bisexual Americans can serve openly in the armed forces; required hospitals receiving Medicare\/Medicaid funds to allow visitation rights and medical decision-making rights to LGBT patients<\/span><\/span>; and made sure that the <\/span>Census counted everyone\u2014including LGBT couples.\u00a0 And I take great satisfaction that our own Wage and Hour Division clarified that the Family and Medical Leave Act covers LGBT parents.\u00a0 Later this month, I\u2019m convening a meeting between agency heads and transgender advocacy groups to explore ways in which DOL can break down barriers for transgender workers.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\nWithin the Labor Department, we\u2019re doing things\u2013big and small\u2013to make sure that our LGBT employees can be their most effective and reach their full potential.\u00a0 It starts by respecting them. \u00a0And it\u2019s reinforced by educating others.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\nIn April, we\u00a0expanded the protections outlined in\u00a0<\/span><\/span>our internal equal opportunity policies to highlight the prohibition of discrimination on the basis of gender identity.\u00a0\u00a0Additionally, the policies reiterated the\u00a0department\u2019s prohibition of\u00a0discrimination and discriminatory harassment on the basis of sexual orientation.\u00a0 On June 1st\u2013at my direction\u2013we hung the first-ever LGBT Pride banner above the entrance to the Frances Perkins building.<\/span>\u00a0 Earlier today, we screened a documentary about Bayard Rustin here in the FPB.\u00a0 We\u2019ve provided copies of the video to our regional offices and have encouraged them to sponsor similar events.\u00a0 I\u2019ve instructed the Wirtz Library to screen the film for any employees who would like to watch it, individually or as a group. \u00a0My office is happy to partner with any agency or group that would like to screen the film. <\/span><\/div>\nAnd we also put up our LGBT Pride elevator poster. \u00a0For the past two years we have used the posters to celebrate our achievements, recognize our colleagues and articulate our mission. <\/span><\/div>\nI\u2019ve spent my life in politics and public service, so I encourage debate and dialogue.\u00a0 I have said many times that I want to hear from our employees if they have legitimate issues or concerns. \u00a0But I will not tolerate disrespect to others. \u00a0And I do not consider vandalizing government property a constructive, effective or professional way to communicate one\u2019s views.\u00a0 As I stated in a similar message two years ago, respect for one another is \u201cnon-negotiable\u201d at the U.S. Department of Labor.<\/span><\/div>\nLet me be absolutely clear: The U.S. Department of Labor is a welcoming, diverse and inclusive workplace.\u00a0 We value everyone.\u00a0 We embrace people\u2019s individuality and celebrate their diversity, talents and contributions.\u00a0 I know the vast majority of employees throughout the department share this view and live these values every single day.\u00a0 I do not believe the actions of a few define who we are or what we believe. <\/span><\/div>\nSo I hope you will join me in making this message even more obvious to all of our colleagues and to everyone who comes to any of our offices. \u00a0The LGBT Pride poster will remain up in the FPB elevators for the rest of the month.\u00a0 Employees in the FPB are encouraged to report defaced, damaged or missing posters to extension 3-5001 so they can be immediately replaced.\u00a0 The LGBT Pride \u201cbillboard\u201d will remain up on LaborNet for the rest of the month.\u00a0 The poster will be available to any employee at any location who wants to hang it on their office door, cubicle or break\/common area.\u00a0 \u00a0Contact Beverly Eaves at 202\/693-4654, and it will be provided to you.<\/span><\/div>\nBayard Rustin\u2013who led a movement of non-violence with Dr. King\u2013once said: \u201cWhen an individual is protesting society\u2019s refusal to acknowledge his dignity as a human being, his very act of protest confers dignity on him.\u201d \u00a0<\/i>Let\u2019s not forget this legacy. Let\u2019s make him proud.<\/span><\/div>\nSincerely, <\/span><\/div>\nHilda L. Solis<\/span><\/div>\nU.S. Secretary of Labor<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n