Last week, Labor Secretary Hilda Solis issued a stern departmental warning letter after office posters celebrating LGBT Pride Month "hanging in 35 department elevators since June 22 [were] either defaced or removed," the New York Times reports. Solis, who helped found the House’s LGBT Caucus, writes she was "particularly pleased to have the opportunity to be the first Secretary in the department’s history to publicly recognize Pride Month."
"It appears, however, that some members of the Labor Department team have a different view, as it has come to my attention that most of the posters have been continually defaced or removed. On several occasions, even the poster frames have been torn completely off the elevator walls. [...] I do not believe these actions represent the majority of our employees, so I refuse to let this situation define us. But I do want to make myself absolutely clear: Respect for others is non-negotiable at the U.S. Department of Labor."
The Secretary adds the gay Pride posters will be "immediately" replaced if they are damaged or removed.
While in Congress representing California's 32nd District (East Los Angeles), Hilda Solis had 100% rating by the Human Rights Campaign on LGBT issues.
(via Think Progress)
THAT IS ALL YOU NEED TO SAY:
"RESPECT FOR OTHERS IS NON-NEGOTIABLE!"
BRAVA TO SECRETARY SOLIS! THAT'S WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT. ITS ABOUT RESPECT, NOT OPINION!
Posted by: TheRevKev | 30 June 2009 at 11:47
>>>Respect for others is non-negotiable at the U.S. Department of Labor."<<<
Work it out mami!
100 PERCENT RATING!
Take that, all you so called "gay friendly" congressmen who won't stand up for us!
You GO GIRL!
Posted by: Chris Cruz | 30 June 2009 at 11:56
Hilda Solis is a godess. She is not going take this mess from these homophobic fratboys at DOL. Trust and believe!
Posted by: Danny Rivera | 30 June 2009 at 12:04
Why can't there be more people such as Miss Solis in the world? Kudos to her for her stern message.
Posted by: hopeful | 30 June 2009 at 13:19
We really have got to realize this is deeper than a statement!We really are not part of this society, and we need to regroup and stop white folks from speaking for us! A march and a Black Pride event is not where we need to be right now.....This is serious Business Brothers!!!Think about it before you give praise.
The fact that they were defaced and damaged says a lot. Replacing the signs is not the issue.....
Love to you all.
Posted by: DW Jazzlover | 30 June 2009 at 15:21
Yes there will always be people out there who hate us (for being black or gay or both). I still say Brava to Secretary Solis for saying "Oh Hell naw, not in MY department you ain't" (...or something like that anyway...LOL)
Posted by: ReggieH | 30 June 2009 at 15:59
The boss should always speak out against this type of vile behavior. She did the right thing and set the tone. Hopefully they will catch some of these punks.
Posted by: Ravenback | 30 June 2009 at 16:53
Ms. Solis is NOT.PLAYING!
Them "old boy network" white men better fall back...
Hilda looks like she'll crack a jaw! LOL! :)
But, I'm glad Solis did this and made it PUBLIC for EVERYONE to know about..
good for her.
Posted by: Ryan | 30 June 2009 at 17:04