OMAHA—HRC Nebraska is pleased to announce its Equality is Our Business Program, designed to celebrate diversity and inclusion in the workplace,  advance protections in employment, housing and public accommodations, and create more inclusive business practices. The new HRC Nebraska pledge aims to strengthen support for the values of diversity and inclusion, including Nebraska’s LGBT community, by engaging businesses and organizations of all sizes to sign the pledge, place stickers at their front door or cash register, and participate in a series of social networking and educational programs designed to highlight why equality is good for business. 113 businesses have already signed on to the pledge.

“Equality makes good business sense and this pledge is another reminder to our legislators that Nebraska business owners support and embrace the LGBT community,” said HRC Nebraska Field Organizer Drew Heckman. “Regardless of our backgrounds, we can all agree that everyone should be treated with dignity and respect.”

There are clear financial benefits of businesses who enthusiastically commit to LGBT diversity in the workplace. That’s why hundreds of Fortune 500 companies have equality protections in place for their LGBT workers. The business community understands in order to attract and retain top talent, managers must have workplace policies that treat everyone fairly.

According to a 2014 HRC survey, LGBT Nebraskans are productive, contributing members of their respective communities. 57 percent of respondents have lived in the Cornhusker State for more than 20 years; 59 percent have volunteered in their communities; and 7 percent of LGBT Nebraskans are currently serving, or have served, in the Armed Forces. However, LGBT people in the Cornhusker State face challenging hurdles. More than one-in-five have experienced employment discrimination; 57 percent have experienced harassment on the street; and 41 percent have experienced harassment at work.

Below are a few businesses supporting the HRC Nebraska Equality Is Our Business Pledge:

“ConAgra Foods believes it’s important for all of its employees to have access to the same level of benefits and support and we’re proud to be recognized as the first organization based in Nebraska and headquartered in Omaha, to achieve a 100 percent ranking in the HRC Corporate Equality Index. This reflects our commitment not only to the LGBT community, but also to helping every employee feel comfortable, included and celebrated at work.”
- Nicole Theophilus
EVP & Chief Human Resources Officer
ConAgra Foods

“A discrimination-free workplace and fair treatment are fundamental rights of all Union Pacific employees. Our work environment must always be one that respects and values differences—so that we may all contribute to our fullest potential. With their diverse experiences, capabilities and viewpoints, Union Pacific employees at all levels bring unique ideas and contributions to the company. Union Pacific provides equal opportunity to all employees and applicants, without regard to race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status or disability.”
- Aaron Hunt
Director, Corporate Communications
Union Pacific

“Our success as a small business depends on three things: attracting top artistic talent, developing and retaining our employees, and having a diverse and creative local audience to support us. Workplace equality helps us achieve all three.”
-- Jeff Beck
Finance Director
Saddle Creek Records

“Founded in 1989, the BLUEBARN Theatre has been privileged to produce thought provoking theatre with diverse and inclusive themes in Omaha for the past 26 years. Signing the Equality is Our Business pledge for the HRC is an honor and will help to secure a safe and diverse work environment for creatives in the years to come. We challenge the arts community in Omaha to sign their own pledge to help further equality for all. Let’s make equality the norm and not the exception!”
-- Susan Clement Toberer
Producing Artistic Director
BLUEBARN Theatre

HRC Nebraska works to realize a future where everyone is treated fairly by changing hearts, minds and laws.

To view the pledge, click here.

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. HRC envisions a world where LGBT people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.

###