5 things / ICE
On Monday, I learned that a company that placed an order to license our LGBTQ eLearnings has hundreds of millions of dollars in contracts with ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), and is directly involved in keeping families apart. I felt sick when I discovered this, but knew that we couldn't go into business with an organization whose values were so opposed to our own. We turned down the order. I know it was the right thing to do, but it hurt a bit.
Have you ever been in a situation like this? I'd love to hear your story.
Here's the summary of the other best practices and good news I learned this week:
#5ThingsILearnedThisWeek:
Conde Nast rebranded all of their multi-stall restrooms as all-gender, and still indicate which restrooms have urinals. Beyond that, they now provide pads and tampons in all restrooms (yes, even the ones with urinals) - because it's not just women who get periods. This is the optimal best practice for all gender restrooms.
"They" has one more definition in the Merriam-Webster dictionary, and it's to describe individuals whose gender is non-binary. This move was inevitable with the increasing global acknowledgment of a third gender - here's our post on the topic.
In a win for gender expression, Virgin Atlantic Airways told female flight attendants they no longer have to wear makeup, and now have a choice between pants and skirts. To be inclusive of gender diversity, this is an excellent best practice for any industry with uniformed employees.
Companies such as Lush Cosmetics, Patagonia, and Burton snowboards closed their offices and stores today to give their employees the day off to participate in Global Climate Strike events. This inspires committed employees who will be less likely to leave, and loyal customers with shared values. It's a win all around.