Employment Non-Discrimination Act

On Wednesday I went to an elementary school to fill out a volunteer for for a work-study position as a tutor. While there, I ended up sitting down for an impromptu job interview. I thought it was gonna be a quick 10-, 15-minutes, but it turned into an hour affair. But ath was ok, because I really needed a job.

As the interview is wrapping up (dropping a few choice words about buses needing to be caught and appts that needed attending), the interviewer glances over my resume and asked me "So, are you gay, lesbian... because we don't feel that's appropriate to discuss in the classroom."  Close-up of my saucer eyes. "I'm a queer person," I replied, before the topic was hastily changed to student demographics. But the question about my sexual orientation just didn't sit well with me.

As I walked away from the school to the bustop, I decided that under no circumstances would I work with that administration at the elementary school.  It brought to mind the essay I read last quarter by a Black queer teacher.  He emphasied the authenticity of being fully present, with all aspects of his Black queer male identity, brought a fuller, richer experience to the classroom and his students. I feel that if I were required to leave my sexuality at the door, an entire portion of my experience would not be able to be accessed to colour my thoughts and expressions.

Needless to say I was incensed. I haven't been that angry and perturbed in a loooong time.  I was still seething when I arrived at SC's office, and I told her about what had happened.  I will never forget how vindicated I felt when she got angry with me.  Apparently the interview at the elementary school has broken the Employment Non-Discrimination Act by asking me about my sexual orientation. Because ti's as SC said, I could have been an ally working with QPoC, and either way the inquiry was totally and completely irrelevant.

I've decided to take action again this gross violation of the law.  I've done some web research on ENDA itself and how it applies to Washington state. I've also talked with numerous people on campus, and will be speaking with more individuals just to get a feel of the best possible and most effective method for notifying not only the interviewer, but also their superiors about this misconduct.

It feels really empowering to be able to actively represent my rights. Although I don't plan on working with this elementary school, let alone the school district, I do hope that the actions I take will make it easier for others who have a passion for working with kids to get through without being harassed or badgered about impertinent issues.