Land Bureau Drops Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity Protection

Sexual orientation and gender identity are no longer protected statuses for Bureau of Land Management employees under a new equal employment opportunity statement published Tuesday.

The new statement aligns with President Donald Trump’s orders to rid the federal government of “gender ideology” and diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.

Michael Nedd, the BLM’s deputy director of administration and programs, signed the new statement, affirming equal employment opportunity principles at the bureau, part of the Department of Interior. Nedd signed the statement Monday and posted it online Tuesday.

The statement pledges that the bureau will not discriminate in ...