Although less far-reaching than a previously proposed Human Rights Ordinance, Executive Order No. 1-2009 prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity in any municipal employment. The statement of administrative policy also directs departments and other internal operations of City government to:

• Update the City’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy and employment manual.
• Discuss discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity in related employee training sessions.
• Incorporate standard language prohibiting this form of discrimination in all appropriate documentation, reporting such efforts to the City Controller.

The Executive Order became effective today when Luecke signed his name to the two-page document.

“The City of South Bend is a progressive community that believes in freedom and equality of opportunity for all. We treat everyone with dignity and respect,” Luecke said. “This order ensures that my administration will not tolerate discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity in employment decisions, including hiring, firing, promotion, compensations or other terms and conditions of city employment.”

Any City employee or applicant for employment with the City of South Bend who experiences employment-related discrimination – whether because they are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered or heterosexual – is encouraged to report such incidents to the Division of Human Resources, which will investigate and attempt to resolve the concerns. City employees are also encouraged to report incidents to their supervisor, department head or a Human Resources representative.

An executive order is a statement of administrative policy issued by the mayor and applicable only to the internal operations of city government. It does not impact private employers.

Although this represents Luecke’s first executive order, the mayor indicated he may issue executive orders “from time to time on matters within the scope of Mayor’s office.” Executive orders are a common tool used in governmental executive branches from mayors and governors to the president.

The South Bend Human Rights Ordinance already prohibits City government from discriminating against anyone based on race, color, disability, religion, sex, age, national origin or veteran status. Sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination includes being treated differently or harassed because of real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.

Contact:  Mikki Dobski, Director of Communications & Special Projects, 235-5855 or 876-1564, or City Attorney Chuck Leone, 235-9241.