Lafayette College Alert

Do you or someone you know go to Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania? The Easton City Council voted unanimously July 12, 2006 to implement an anti-discrimination ordinance inclusive of sexual orientation and gender identity. The Mayor of Easton, Phil Mittman, a republican, was supported in his election by Pennsylvania Gay and Lesbian Alliance, and is strongly expected to sign the bill into law Lafayette College’s website states: “Lafayette College complies with all applicable federal and state legislation and does not discriminate in any way on the basis of gender, age, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, physical ability, or sexual orientation.” However their policy is not in accordance with the bill in Easton, PA. If you attend Lafayette College please take this opportunity to lobby the administration to change the policy. Please call Lisa Rex, in the Human Resources office and state your complaint. GenderPAC would like to see Lafayette adopt wording as follows: Lafayette College embraces human diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity, affirmative action, and eliminating discrimination. Discrimination against any individual based upon protected status, which is defined as age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status, is prohibited. Although, with the new Easton law, they are only required to add “Gender Identity” to their policy statement. Some Talking points include: • 67 Colleges and Universities nationwide have added gender identity into their non-discrimination policy statements, including two other schools in the Lehigh Valley (Lehigh University and Muhlenberg College). • With a growing number of universities and corporations adding gender identity and expression to their policies, it is becoming increasingly easier for students and workers to select places with a more welcoming environment. Attracting and retaining the best students and staff members is critical to the success of a university. Schools that have a reputation for respecting diversity are at a competitive advantage. • Schools that are not pro-active in anticipating and heading-off new types of discrimination that affect both men and women may leave themselves exposed to protracted and costly litigation.