The UPS Foundation on Monday announced
it would no longer fund organizations which discriminate on the basis
of sexual orientation or gender identity.
The new rules would exclude the Boy
Scouts of America, which in July reiterated
its ban on openly gay scouts and leaders.
The foundation wrote at its website:
“The UPS Foundation seeks to support organizations that are in
alignment with our focus areas, guidelines, and non-discrimination
policy. UPS and The UPS Foundation do not discriminate against any
person or organization with regard to categories protected by
applicable law, as well as other categories protected by UPS and The
UPS Foundation in our own policies. These include, but are not
limited to race, gender, national origin, disability, sexual
orientation, gender identity, veteran or military status, pregnancy,
age and religion.”
In
a blog post, GLAAD confirmed that the new guidelines would
exclude the Boy Scouts of America.
UPS follows in the footsteps of the
Intel Foundation, which announced in September similar rules for
grant applicants.
GLAAD President Herndon Graddick said
of the announcement: “More and more corporate leaders are enacting
strong non-discrimination policies for practices including grant
funding and hiring. Equality is not only good for business, but
supported by a vast majority of Americans. The time is now for the
BSA to end this outdated and unpopular ban before other corporate
funders pull dollars and scouting families drop their support. All of
the great work that the BSA does to help young people will continue
to be overshadowed by their blatant discrimination until they join
other inclusive organizations like the Girl Scouts of the USA and the
4-H Club.”