Written employment non-discrimination policies are the foundation for establishing inclusive workplaces. They guarantee equal treatment and opportunity in hiring, promotions and compensation, and they inform prospective employees about the agency’s values.

The organization’s personnel policy should explicitly prohibit employment discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in order to create a work environment that is supportive of productivity, stability and diversity of staff. The policy should be written and recorded within an agency’s operation manual or other relevant documentation. It is recommended that the policy be publically available to new applicants and employees on websites, job postings and in the lobby area.

Sample Policy Language:

• Adoption STAR, Amherst, NY,  "Employment Practices" Excerpt
  Adoption STAR will not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, veteran's status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or disability, except where the disability would prevent the performance of the essential requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.
• Adoptions From The Heart, Wynnewood, PA, "Civil Rights Compliance Employee Awareness" Notice for Employees
  This employee notice includes information on the agency's client and employment non-discrimination policies, both of which include sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.
• Connecting Hearts Adoption Services, Orlando, FL,  "Employee Non-Discrimination Policy" Notice for Employees
  Connecting Hearts Adoption Services prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of race, ancestry, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. This notice, which must be signed by all employees and the agency's executive director, explicitly states this commitment to equal opportunity.
• Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, Pasadena, CA,  “Non-Discrimination Policy”
  All Employees are protected and may file a discrimination complaint if they perceive that they have been discriminated against based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status, gender identity, age (persons at least 40 years old), sex (including pregnancy and conduct of a sexual nature), sexual orientation, denial of reasonable accommodation, and Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
• National Adoption Center, Philadelphia, PA,  “Equal Employment Opportunity Policy”
  The Center promotes equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. In doing so, we comply with local, state, and federal laws and regulations to ensure an equal employment opportunity for everyone. We don’t discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, ancestry, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, citizenship, military service obligation, veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. Our policies and personnel practices are intended to ensure that all of us are treated equally with regard to recruiting, hiring, and advancement, and our decisions on employment are made to further the principle of equal employment opportunities for employees.

More information on employment non-discrimination:

Workplace Discrimination: Policies, Laws and Legislation