The City of Dallas requires managers to “assist” in the gender transition of employees in addition to requiring mandatory transgender education for coworkers.
According to the “Gender Transition Protocols & FAQ” obtained by The Dallas Express, City managers and supervisors are expected to support, encourage, and help people desiring to identify as their non-biological gender, even if it goes against a sincerely held personal belief.
In addition to mandating teams with transitioning employees go through reeducation programs, the protocols require that members of leadership express support for gender transition and alteration.
The protocols explain that “this information is intended to be a resource for supervisors and managers so they can assist employees who are undertaking (or considering) a workplace gender transition.”
Later, the City states in the protocols:
“If an employee expresses their intention to transition, the assistance of the department and supervisor is critical. The supervisor’s actions will impact the outcome of the workplace transition. Employees who transition their gender on the job will need the assistance of their supervisor, managers, and Human Resources.”
Workplace supervisors are also explicitly required to “demonstrate support for an inclusive workplace when discussing [a transitioning employee’s] needs and concerns.”
Throughout the protocols, the City states that adherence and acceptance of pro-transgender policies are expected no matter what a person may “believe in.” Such forced speech requirements potentially infringe upon employees’ free speech rights.
For example, the City of Dallas requires employees to use the “preferred pronouns” of transitioning coworkers regardless of personal belief, threatening violators with disciplinary action and termination, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
Such forms of government-compelled speech are potential violations of the First Amendment, as a number of courts have ruled across the country in recent years.
As Chief Justice Warren Burger outlined in Wooley v. Maynard (1977), “The right of freedom of thought protected by the First Amendment against state action includes both the right to speak freely and the right to refrain from speaking at all.”
Despite repeatedly failing to answer The Dallas Express‘ questions about the potential constitutional implications, the City doubled down on the policy in a statement to Fox News, saying, “Violations of these long-standing policies may result in disciplinary action.”
The City, however, refused to address the potential legal liability of a compelled-speech policy.
Dallas taxpayers are also on the hook for gender alteration surgeries for City employees, as reported by The Dallas Express. Similarly, the City has opened restrooms, locker rooms, and other facilities to all genders.
