Each June, we acknowledge the contributions of gay, lesbian, and bisexual employees through the celebration of Pride Month - a time when we reaffirm EPA's commitment to an inclusive workplace in which people from all backgrounds are respected and given the opportunity to reach their professional potential. This year's theme for EPA headquarters is In the Line of Duty, and in the regional offices, the theme is Fairness for All.

     I invite all headquarters employees to attend the Pride Month ceremony on Wednesday, June 4, from 1000 a.m. to 1200 p.m. in the Rachel Carson Great Hall on the third floor of the Ariel Rios Building. Our guest speaker will be Alice Ann Hoglan whose son, Mark Bingham, was among the group of passengers who overpowered the hijackers on United Airlines Flight No. 93 on September 11, 2001.

     This year's Pride Month activities at headquarters are sponsored by the Office of Civil Rights in cooperation with EPA GLOBE, a recognized non-labor employee group of gay, lesbian, and bisexual employees and their supporters. Other educational and outreach events will be taking place in EPA regional and field offices.

     I encourage employees to support Pride Month, and to remain committed to an inclusive workplace in which we all enjoy respect and the opportunity to excel.

Christine Todd Whitman
Administrator, EPA