Thursday, December 21, 2006
I've waited... It's an issue...
Some time ago I noticed that the Democratic National Committee refused to put its non-discrimination clause on its website. After a few emails with staffers at the DNC, a number of fellow political activists suggested I wait until after the mid-term election to make this an issue.
I've waited... It's an issue.
I had another recent exchange with the press office of the DNC... And while the human resources department refused to provide the policy back when I first asked for it, the media folks sent it to me:
Damien Lavera, a spokesman for the DNC, explains it this way:
Is the DNC ashamed equal employment policies? What good are non-discrimination policies if they are kept a secret from the public? And, don't such policies demonstrate the party's commitment to equality? Back when I first learned this news, a job seeker who called the DNC was also refused a copy of the policy.
A non-discrimination clause is not just a "policy" for employees, it's a statement to the general public about an organization's beliefs. Does the DNC believe in non-discrimination or don't they.
This issue, I promise you, will not end until the DNC starts to stand up for what it believes in. Their refusal to post this policy is pathetic.
I've waited... It's an issue.
I had another recent exchange with the press office of the DNC... And while the human resources department refused to provide the policy back when I first asked for it, the media folks sent it to me:
The DNC is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity. It is our policy to recruit, hire, train, promote and administer any and all personnel actions without regard to sex, race, age, color, creed, national origin, religion, economic status, sexual orientation, ethnic identity or physical disability, or any other legally protected basis. The DNC will not tolerate any unlawful discrimination and any such conduct is prohibited.Now, I'm not saying the DNC has to put this on the top of the front page, but why won't they put it somewhere, anywhere, on the site? A great place might be on the bottom of the "About Our Party" page, below the bit about internships at the DNC.
All job openings are to be posted internally and priority consideration should be given to current staff and minorities. Within certain limitations, all new employees should be vetted before hire.
Damien Lavera, a spokesman for the DNC, explains it this way:
As I've mentioned before, we do not put any human resources or personnel-related documents on our website. Our site is devoted solely to providing Democrats and common-sense voters with the tools they need to interact with candidates and state parties, help disseminate our party's message, and help Democrats win up and down the ballot in every state.Sorry, Damien, not good enough.
Is the DNC ashamed equal employment policies? What good are non-discrimination policies if they are kept a secret from the public? And, don't such policies demonstrate the party's commitment to equality? Back when I first learned this news, a job seeker who called the DNC was also refused a copy of the policy.
A non-discrimination clause is not just a "policy" for employees, it's a statement to the general public about an organization's beliefs. Does the DNC believe in non-discrimination or don't they.
This issue, I promise you, will not end until the DNC starts to stand up for what it believes in. Their refusal to post this policy is pathetic.
By: Michael Rogers
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