In the wake of a series of U.S. Presidential Executive Orders relating to diversity, equity, inclusion, we write to assure the people of the Borough of Gettysburg, and of Adams County more generally, that they can continue to find support if they believe they have experienced discrimination.
The Borough of Gettysburg adopted an anti-discrimination ordinance in 2020 and established a Human Relations Commission in 2021. The Borough ordinance is designed to “ensure that all persons, regardless of race, color, sex, religion, religious creed or belief, ancestry, national origin, familial status, marital status, age, veteran status, mental or physical disability or handicap or the use of services or assistance animals or the handler or trainer of such service animals…are afforded equal opportunities for employment, public accommodation, housing and commercial property.”
Given the recent Executive Order defining sex as a person’s immutable biological classification as male or female, we want to clarify that Gettysburg’s ordinance defines sex to include sex assigned at birth, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, gender transition, and transgender. This definition has not changed.
Put simply, those living and working in the Borough have the right not be discriminated against. We encourage those who believe they have experienced discrimination to be in touch with the Borough Human Relations Commission for support. To do so, please visit www.gettysburgpa.gov/human-relations-commission-hrc or contact Commission Chair Janet Riggs at riggs@gettysburg.edu.
In addition, the Adams County Advisory Council to the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission offers support to anyone who believes they have experienced discrimination anywhere within Adams County. The Council provides guidance for those who would like to file a claim with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission. Pennsylvania law prohibits discrimination based on a set of classifications that is quite similar to those adopted by the Borough. In the Commonwealth, the definition of sex includes sex assigned at birth, gender identity or expression, affectional or sexual orientation, and differences in sex development, as well as pregnancy status, childbirth status, and breastfeeding status. If you are looking for support, please go to pa.gov/agencies/phrc.html. One can also follow the PHRC on X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
PHRC Executive Director Chad Lassiter and the staff of the PHRC recently celebrated the 70th anniversary of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act passage in 1955. “Regardless of what happens nationally, Pennsylvanians can be assured that under Pennsylvanian laws, they are protected. Pennsylvania was founded on the principles of tolerance and peace. It will remain a welcoming place for people of all backgrounds and lifestyles.”
Both the Borough Human Relations Commission and the Adams County Advisory Council to the PHRC are working to promote an inclusive community where all will feel welcome to participate fully. If we can provide you with support, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Submitted by Janet Morgan Riggs, Chair of the Gettysburg Borough Human Relations Commission, and Yeimi Bautista, Chair of the Adams County Advisory Council to the PA Human Relations Commission
Charles (Chuck) Stangor is Gettysburg Connection's Owner, Publisher, and Editor in Chief. I would like to hear from you. Please contact me at cstangor@gettysburgconnection.org.