1. United States
2. N.Y.
3. Letter

The National Park Service's effective ban on uniformed staffers participating in Pride marches is deeply concerning. This policy reversal ostracizes LGBTQ+ employees and conveys an exclusionary stance unbecoming of a public agency meant to serve all Americans. Pride celebrations are not partisan events – they honor the identities and lived experiences of the LGBTQ+ community. Disallowing uniformed personnel undermines workplace inclusivity and erases the NPS's legacy of marching in major Pride parades nationwide to commemorate the agency's own history of discriminating against LGBTQ+ staff during the Lavender Scare era. This regressive shift signals indifference towards a marginalized community and runs counter to public servants faithfully representing all citizens. The National Park Service should promptly rescind this misguided policy that condones erasure over inclusion and celebration of diversity. Uniformed participation in Pride events allows the agency to proudly embrace LGBTQ+ colleagues and reaffirm its commitment to fostering an equitable environment for all employees.