Nike, Inc supports level playing field in Memphis

Today, the Tennessee Equality Project learned of Nike, Inc.'s endorsement of the Memphis Employment Non-Discrimination Ordinance sponsored by Councilwoman Janis Fullilove.

In an August 9 letter addressed to Memphis City Council Chairman Harold Collins, Nike urged him and his fellow council members:

to support the proposed amendments to the Memphis Non-Discrimination Ordinance which will be debated before your council in the coming days. By supporting this measure, you will support the conviction that every American deserves a chance to compete and prosper on a level playing field.

The letter continues:

At Nike we believe that diversity and inclusion is about respecting our differences, leveraging our strengths and maximizing opportunity for everyone. Nike is passionately supportive of its employees, respectful of our consumers and committed to equality for our athletes. As a result, these values make us a better company and more competitive in our industry.

Nike is one of many Fortune 500 companies with a presence in Memphis that offer LGBT-inclusive workplace protections, such as FedEx, United Parcel Service, AT&T, Medtronic, Sears, Costco, First Horizon National, Macy's, and Walgreens.

The City of Memphis will be in good company when it approves legislation that specifically protects the rights of gay, lesbian, bi, straight and transgender employees at the third reading of the ordinance on September 14.