Bureau of Land Management Removes LGBTQ+ Protections in Updated EEO Statement
The Bureau of Land Management has implemented a new equal employment opportunity statement that no longer includes sexual orientation and gender identity as protected statuses for its employees. This change, which was formalized on Monday and made public on Tuesday, aligns with directives from the Trump administration to eliminate “gender ideology” and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within federal government agencies.
Michael Nedd, the BLM’s deputy director of administration and programs, signed the updated statement, reaffirming the bureau’s commitment to equal employment opportunity principles. As part of the Department of Interior, the BLM’s new policy has sparked concern among advocates for LGBTQ+ rights.
The updated statement maintains that the bureau will not discriminate in employment practices, but the removal of specific protections for sexual orientation and gender identity has raised questions about the potential impact on workplace culture and employee rights.
This policy shift is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to reshape federal policies related to diversity and inclusion. Critics argue that such changes could create a less inclusive work environment and potentially violate existing federal anti-discrimination laws.
For more information on this developing story and its legal implications, Bloomberg Law provides in-depth coverage and analysis of the changing landscape of federal employment policies.
