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Board directs staff to reapply to Human Rights Campaign Municipal Equality Index; vote 6-1
Summary
The board voted 6-1 to direct staff to apply annually to the Human Rights Campaign's Municipal Equality Index and to implement feasible improvements; one supervisor opposed, citing the organization—s political orientation and saying county policy should not be driven by third-party scores.
The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors voted 6-1 on April 1 to direct county staff to apply annually to the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Municipal Equality Index and to implement measures to improve the county—s score where feasible.
County staff told the board Loudoun scored 81 out of 100 on the HRC—s index in this self-submission. Staff described scoring strengths (non-discrimination law, leadership) and lower-scoring categories where points could be gained, including municipal services and law enforcement flex points tied to a human-rights commission and certain internal liaisons and trainings. Staff said procurement language changes planned for July could increase the score.
Supporters said participation and a higher score would help Loudoun recruit and demonstrate inclusivity. Opponents argued the HRC is a politically aligned organization and that county policy should not be set to chase a third-party score. "I don't believe Loudoun County makes policy based on what third-party vendors say we should do or should not do," one supervisor said, explaining a refusal to let external political organizations drive county policy; that supervisor voted no.
The motion directs staff to submit to the MEI annually and to pursue feasible improvements, not to adopt actions solely to gain points. The motion passed 6-1. Staff said subsequent scores will reflect implemented program and policy changes.
Actions: board directs annual MEI application and implementation of feasible changes; outcome approved 6-1.
