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Can Diversity Training Discriminate? Backlash to Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Diversity Initiatives

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A growing number of companies are including lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) issues as part of their diversity initiatives and training. A potential problem with including LGB issues is the backlash from some employees who believe that such orientations are wrong. Further, given existing civil rights legislation it is not unreasonable for these employees to feel that their religious beliefs should be accommodated. This requires the organization to carefully balance the rights of religious objectors to such training while providing adequate support for LGB employees. This paper analyzes three cases where employees felt they were discriminated against because of their belief systems. In addition to identifying the key factors that led to the feelings of discrimination, the paper offers suggestions to prevent future occurrences.

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Notes

  1. Although the common practice today is to refer to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community, this paper is purposefully excluding transgender individuals from the discussion. The author would like to state that this is a reflection of how the law treats transgendered individuals differently than those who identify as LGB and is not a reflection of the author's personal beliefs.

  2. Related research (Clark, 2004) has focused on the case of Buonanno v. AT&T Broadband, 2004), which was not included in the present analysis for several reasons. First, the case was not in response to a specific LGB diversity training or initiative. Second, while there were religious objections to the overall diversity policy of the company, the issue of LGB individuals was not specifically mentioned during administrative handling of Mr. Buonanno's termination.

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  1. Saint Louis University, 3674 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, Missouri, 63108-3397, USA

    David M. Kaplan

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  1. David M. Kaplan
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Correspondence to David M. Kaplan.

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Kaplan, D.M. Can Diversity Training Discriminate? Backlash to Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Diversity Initiatives. Employ Respons Rights J 18, 61–72 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10672-005-9005-4

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