Baker College’s Culinary Institute of Michigan decorated with LGBTQ+ flags for Pride Month.
On Monday, June 15, 2020, the United States Supreme Court (SCOTUS) ruled 6-to-3, that the 1964 Civil Rights Act protects gay, lesbian, and transgender employees from discrimination based on sex. The ruling comes just in time for the 50th anniversary of annual LGBTQ+ Pride traditions. More importantly, the ruling “prohibits firing or disfavouring workers on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity” (“America’s Supreme Court,” 2020, para. 2).
Did you know that Baker College had a diversity policy in our Employee Handbook, which includes sexual orientation and gender identity, long before the SCOTUS ruling? This is also true of our student policy. Yes, policy is important, but our actions are even more crucial. We are proud to support our students and employees in every facet of life. Over the years, Baker College has sponsored Pride events within our campus communities. While 2020 may look a little different due to Covid-19, we want everyone to know that Baker College will continue to promote a safe campus environment for our LGBTQ+ staff and students.
Finally, each of our campuses has a UNITY Council consisting of faculty, staff, and students who work to educate our campus communities, while also fostering a welcoming, safe, and equitable space. If you would like to become more involved in helping Baker College to strengthen our support systems for the LGBTQ+ community, please contact a representative on your UNITY Council or the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council at [email protected].