The Texas Department of Agriculture is ordering its employees to comply with a new dress code, mandating they abide by it in a "manner consistent with their biological gender." An ACLU attorney says it violates federal law that bans employment discrimination based on one's sexual orientation or gender identity.
In a copy of the April 13 memo first obtained by The Texas Observer, the new dress code — handed down by Sid Miller, the state's agriculture commissioner — is required by all employees as a part of a "dress code and grooming policy."
"Employees are expected to comply with this dress code in a manner consistent with their biological gender," the new policy said.
The new dress code restrictions for employees will replace the previous one outlined by the state agency's employee handbook, The Observer reported. The original dress code made no references to "biological gender."
The new dress code policy will apply to all employees of the department — including interns and contractors, according to the policy. Those who violate the mandated dress code may face severe consequences and may be asked to leave the premises to change clothes that comply with the policy.
If problems with an employee's dress continue, employees can face "remedies up to and including termination," the memo says.
It's unclear whether the decision to change the dress code began within Miller's office or is a result of a mandate higher up within the state's government. The Texas Department of...
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