Officially organized with the adoption of bylaws in August 2009, Le***an, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Q***r and Allied Employees at Education (LGBTQ and Allied Employees at ED) has both built upon the past contributions and continues to build on the current commitment of LGBT+ and Allied employees at the department. With the election of a new Administration in November 2008, LGBTQ and Allied Emplo
yees at ED has intensified its efforts to create the infrastructure and institutional culture which fosters an open and inclusive work environment for LGBT+ employees at the U.S. With the support of LGBTQ and Allied Employees at ED, the Department has released a number of updated statements and policies including a Diversity Statement, EEO Policy, NO FEAR ACT Policy, and Anti-Harassment Policy. As of August 25, 2010, all documents are now sexual orientation and gender identity inclusive. The organization continues to work with the Department to: gather information about the LGBT+ community at ED; roll out and implement LGBT+-friendly directives issued by the Administration; benchmark with other Federal agencies to develop sound policies and practices that permit LGBT+ employees to be open in the workplace; initiate a comprehensive review of all Department regulations, policies and practices to ensure equitable treatment; and promote a work environment that enhances self-expression, equality and productivity by engaging the Union to include LGBT+ employees for protection against discrimination under Article 27 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement. The organization is also playing a pivotal role in the formation of the ED Diversity & Inclusion Council.
