The White House announced that staff and visitors will be able to use a new gender-neutral restroom right next to the West Wing.
Valerie Jarrett, Senior Adviser to President Obama, announced in an editorial in The Advocate that the president is determined to lead by example. “We have closely examined our internal policies on everything from benefits, to restroom access, to how we invite people to events, to ensure that everyone who enters this building feels safe and fully respected,” she said.
The announcement came a day after President Obama’s executive order, that he signed on July 21, 2014, came into effect that requires federal contractors not to fire anyone based on their sexual orientation.
“This will effectively prevent any company that does business with the government from firing an employee based on who they are or who they love,” Jarrett said.