In a state determined to deny rights to some members of the population it is even more important for employers to protect the rights of their employees. Bentonville Public Schools has a responsibility and opportunity to protect all their employees while sending the message that discrimination will not be tolerated.
We ask the school board to add more inclusive language to the EEO policy modeled on the policy of the state's largest university.

The University of Arkansas Non-Discrimination Policy (2014) reads “[t]he University of Arkansas prohibits discrimination against and harassment of its students, faculty, and staff, or any applicant for employment. It is the policy of the University of Arkansas to provide an educational and work environment in which thought, creativity, and growth are stimulated, and in which individuals are free to realize their full potential through equality. The university should be a place of work and study for students, faculty, and staff, that is free of all forms of discrimination, sexual intimidation and exploitation. Therefore, the University of Arkansas is committed to providing equal opportunity for all students and applicants for admission and for all employees and applicants for employment regardless of race, age, gender, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, marital or parental status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal or state law. In addition, discrimination in employment on the basis of genetic information is prohibited.”

The Bentonville Public Schools Personnel Handbook Equal Employment Opportunity Policy, revised in 2011, currently reads “[t]he Bentonville Board of Education shall conduct the school system on a nondiscriminatory and nonsegregated basis. In the employment of personnel, the Board will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, religion, color, sex, gender, national origin, age, or disability.”

We ask that protections regarding pregnancy status, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity and genetic information be added to the current Bentonville Public Schools Policy.

Adding this inclusive language will protect employees from discrimination and nothing more. It will not change the day-to-day operations of the classroom, nor will it open the door for gross misconduct. Any staff member who violates the terms of their contract would still face appropriate disciplinary action. Adding this language does not impact any of the other protected classes. It does not give any special status or rights to one class over another. It merely provides a more inclusive work environment and offers protection for individuals who are not currently under protected status under the federal and state law.

Adding protections for those classes that have been identified but not officially recognized by federal and state law sends the message that Bentonville Public Schools will not tolerate discrimination. It gives peace of mind to current employees and makes the district a more attractive employer. Not adding more inclusive language will result in the perception that Bentonville Public School District reserves the right to discriminate.

References include the following:
University of Arkansas Non-Discrimination Policy - http://vcfa.uark.edu/policies/fayetteville/oeoc/2141.php
Bentonville School District Personnel Equal Employment Opportunity  Policy - http://bentonvillek12.org/edline_resource/leadership/board/policy/1415personnel.pdf