It was not my intention to imply that Sun's or IBM's policies were in some way
"better" than those of HP.  I was merely indicating that there were already
people endorsing those vendors, and that HP probably would not receive serious
consideration unless I spoke up on their behalf.  What I'm contemplating is not
an endorsement of those companies or a slam against HP, but simply keeping my
mouth shut and letting whatever happens, happen.  If I do that, it's virtually
certain that HP will not be considered, and I won't have given my support to any
of the choices.  As one of the people who will end up administering the systems,
I'll just do the best I can with whatever hardware we buy.

The IBM policy you quoted actually seems quite reasonable to me, if it's
interpreted literally.  Discrimination, sexual or otherwise, should not be
practiced in the workplace.  But I think that harassment based on sex or sexual
orientation includes overtly trying to change the attitudes of those of us who
abhor homosexuality.  Tell me not to ostracize people or treat them unfairly
because of their sexual orientation and I'll have no argument.  Try to make me
agree that homosexuality is a normal and acceptable lifestyle and I'll not only
argue, I'll insist on making my viewpoint known as clearly (and publicly) as the
viewpoint that is being forced upon me.  Don't bring up the subject at all in
the workplace and neither will I.





Wirt Atmar <[log in to unmask]> on 11/01/2000 11:06:46 PM

Please respond to [log in to unmask]

To:   [log in to unmask]
cc:    (bcc: Wayne Brown/Corporate/Altec)

Subject:  Re: [HP3000-L] Fiorina, Carly, personal political orientation?



Wayne writes:

> By coincidence, my company plans to purchase some Unix
> servers in the next few months, and I'm the only one here with any HP-UX
> experience (or any significant Unix experience, for that matter).  I'd
> planned to offer a recommendation, but maybe I'll just stay out of it and
> let the Sun and IBM advocates do all the talking.

I'm not altogether sure that that will buy you anything. It's been my
impression that HP, although fair and just, has not been as proactive in
promoting equal opportunity and diversity in its workplace as Sun and most
especially IBM have been. See, for example:

     http://www.sun.com/aboutsun/corpdiversity/relationships.html
     http://www-3.ibm.com/employment/us/diverse/prog_gl.html

although, see:

     http://www.hp.com/hpinfo/abouthp/div_highlights.htm

IBM is nonetheless quite explicit about its policy, and the behavior of the
Boise employee would certainly warrant termination at IBM also.

IBM's Policy on Equal Opportunity reads:

=======================================

Business activities such as hiring, training, compensation, promotions,
transfers, terminations and IBM-sponsored social and recreational activities
are conducted without discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender,
sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status --
Vietnam-era, Special Disabled or active duty during a war or in a campaign or
expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized (other covered
veteran). These business activities and the administration of IBM benefits
plans comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws, including
those dealing with equal opportunity. IBM also makes reasonable accommodation
for disability and religious observance.

To provide equal opportunity and affirmative action for applicants and
employees, IBM carries out programs on behalf of women, minorities, people
with disabilities, Vietnam-era veterans, Special Disabled Veterans and other
covered veterans.
This includes outreach as well as human resource programs that ensure equity
in compensation and opportunity for growth and development.

In addition, the IBM work environment must be free from sexual harassment or
any other harassment based on sex, sexual orientation, race, national origin,
ethnicity, religion, age, disability or veteran status.

In respecting and valuing the diversity among our employees and all those
with who we do business, managers are expected to ensure a work environment
free of all forms of discrimination and harassment.

Effective management of our workforce diversity is an important strategic
objective. Every manager in IBM is expected to abide by this policy and
uphold the company's commitment to workforce diversity

========================================

Wirt Atmar