Interior Department’s transgender policy endangers non-compliant employees regarding the use of false pronouns
The U.S. Department of the Interior Supports Gender Transition in the Federal Workplace
The U.S. Department of the Interior recently sent an internal bulletin to its employees, emphasizing its commitment to supporting gender transition in the federal workplace. This move marks a significant step towards inclusivity and equality within the department.
According to documents published by the Heritage Foundation’s Oversight Project, the department has established “gender identity” as a protected class under its federal policy. The Interior Department defines “gender identity” as an individual’s internal sense of their gender, which can include male, female, another gender, no gender, multiple genders, or fluid gender.
The Oversight Project reported that while the department aims to strike a balance between protection and practicality, it has implemented policies covering various aspects of gender transition. These policies address confidentiality, privacy, dress code, names and pronouns, inclusive language, restroom facilities, workplace assignments, recordkeeping, sick leave, medical leave, and the hiring process.
The department memo emphasizes the importance of treating an employee’s transition with sensitivity and confidentiality, respecting their desire for minimal publicity. It also encourages the evaluation and elimination of gender-specific dress and appearance rules.
However, there have been instances where employees of the National Park Service (NPS) violated the agency’s dress code during an LGBT “pride” celebration at Yosemite National Park. Despite the code explicitly prohibiting uniformed participation in events that could be seen as endorsing specific issues or positions, staff members still adorned their uniforms with activist apparel.
In another instance, the department featured a drag queen named Pattie Gonia in a video alongside Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, promoting the false narrative that ”queer rights are more under attack than ever.” This collaboration raises questions about the department’s alignment with certain political agendas.
To celebrate LGBT History Month, I joined outdoor advocate and climate movement icon @pattiegonia to discuss how places like @StonewallNPS help tell our country’s full and honest story. pic.twitter.com/XSIGs1qz9z
— Secretary Deb Haaland (@SecDebHaaland) October 2, 2023
Embracing Gender-Neutral Language and Ensuring Respectful Treatment
The transgender policy implemented by the Interior Department encourages the use of gender-neutral language in communications to avoid assumptions about gender identity. The policy provides examples of pronouns such as “they,” “them,” “theirs,” “ze/hir/hirs,” ”ze/zir/zirs,” and “xe/xem/xyrs.” Additionally, the policy allows individuals to use the restroom that aligns with their gender identity, and it warns of consequences for those who engage in unlawful discrimination by refusing to respect an employee’s affirmed name, gender, and pronouns.
Tristan Justice is the western correspondent for The Federalist and the author of Social Justice Redux, a conservative newsletter on culture, health, and wellness. He has also written for The Washington Examiner and The Daily Signal. His work has also been featured in Real Clear Politics and Fox News. Tristan graduated from George Washington University where he majored in political science and minored in journalism. Follow him on Twitter at @JusticeTristan or contact him at [email protected]. Sign up for Tristan’s email newsletter here.
What implications does the department’s collaboration with a drag queen in a promotional video have on its alignment with political agendas and its ability to fulfill its primary mission and responsibilities
The U.S. Department of the Interior has recently taken a significant step towards promoting inclusivity and equality within the federal workplace by showing its support for gender transition. In an internal bulletin sent to its employees, the department emphasized its commitment to facilitating and accommodating gender transition processes.
The move follows the establishment of “gender identity” as a protected class under the department’s federal policy. According to documents published by the Heritage Foundation’s Oversight Project, the Interior Department defines “gender identity” as an individual’s internal sense of their gender, which can include male, female, another gender, no gender, multiple genders, or fluid gender.
It is important to note that the department aims to strike a balance between protection and practicality in implementing policies covering various aspects of gender transition. These policies address confidentiality, privacy, dress code, names and pronouns, inclusive language, restroom facilities, workplace assignments, recordkeeping, sick leave, medical leave, and the hiring process, as reported by the Oversight Project.
The memo circulated within the department places particular emphasis on treating an employee’s transition with sensitivity and confidentiality, acknowledging their desire for minimal publicity. The memo also encourages the evaluation and elimination of gender-specific dress and appearance rules, taking into consideration the diverse nature of gender identities.
However, there have been instances within the National Park Service (NPS), which is part of the Department of the Interior, where employees violated the agency’s dress code during an LGBT “pride” celebration at Yosemite National Park. Despite the dress code explicitly prohibiting uniformed participation in events that could be seen as endorsing specific issues or positions, some staff members adorned their uniforms with activist apparel. This raises concerns about the adherence to and enforcement of existing regulations within the department.
Another cause for reflection is the department’s collaboration with a drag queen named Pattie Gonia in a video featuring Interior Secretary Deb Haaland. The video promotes the false narrative that “queer rights are more under attack than ever,” as mentioned in an article by The Federalist. This collaboration raises questions about the department’s alignment with certain political agendas and potentially highlights a deviation from its primary mission and responsibilities.
While the U.S. Department of the Interior should be commended for its commitment to supporting gender transition in the federal workplace, it is essential to ensure that all policies are applied consistently throughout the department and that they align with the broader objectives of the organization. It is crucial to strike a balance between inclusivity and impartiality, respecting the rights and needs of employees while upholding the integrity and neutrality of the department.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
