This month, Life West recognizes two equally deserving annual celebrations. Juneteenth, abbreviated “June nineteenth,” is the oldest celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in America. It’s also LGBTQ month which honors Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ) Pride.
Members of these communities unite in solidarity, celebrating diversity at its best. Life West stands with these underserved communities, the history of freedom, and the ongoing fight for justice and equality.
Life West is also taking note of an important ruling: On Monday, June 15, 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ) workers are protected from job discrimination based on sexual orientation or transgender status. With the decision, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 now makes it illegal for employers to discriminate because of a person’s sex.
Please watch this video, Justice Can Prevail, reflecting on the recent Landmark Supreme Court LGBTQ ruling.
Diversity and inclusion at Life West
As the United States enters a fourth week of national protests and heightened awareness around racism, Life West is continuing to examine what we can do around an important strategic initiative for the college, diversity and inclusion. See President Oberstein’s statement on Facebook, and find resources online that were posted recently.
Dr. Annette Walker, Life West’s Diversity and Inclusion Officer, is also working to implement the Diversity and Inclusion Network (DIN), an online college-wide network and repository that provides a platform for increasing knowledge and awareness of diversity, equity, and inclusion. A forum for the Life West community is now available on the Life West website (you must log in using the icon in the top right corner to participate). We will continue to develop more resources and a stronger presence on the website around diversity and inclusion.
For questions or concerns, please contact Dr. Walker at awalker@lifewest.edu.