ALEXANDRIA, VA – At Alexandria City Council’s legislative meeting on Tuesday, December 13, City Manager James Parajon announced the City of Alexandria’s perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s (HRC) Municipal Equality Index (MEI).
“This is a culmination of many years of efforts. [Now] we can’t rest on our laurels,” said Mayor Justin Wilson. “Just getting the 100+ [rating] means we have to keep upping our game annually to ensure this is an inclusive and welcoming place for all.”
“I particularly want to thank Jean Kelleher, our Director of Human Rights and Erika Kleiner, the liaison for the City’s LGBTQ+ Task Force,” said City Manager James Parajon. “This is a significant accomplishment – one that the City takes pride in and recognizes the character of our community.”
HRC scores over 500 cities nationwide based on capital status, size, and proportion of same-sex couple residents, among other factors. Scores range from 0-100 and are capped at 100 points.
Points are awarded based on, among other criteria:
- Non-discrimination in private employment, housing, and public accommodations
- Non-discrimination in City employment, including both sexual orientation and gender identity
- Community-facing Human Rights Commission and LGBTQ+ Liaison in City executive’s office
- Youth bullying prevention for City services, and services supporting LGBTQ+ youth
- Leadership’s public position and legislative efforts on LGBTQ+ equality
There are 100 standard points that apply to all municipalities scored, and 22 flex points that may not apply to all cities scored. Flex points are awarded for items which apply to some but not all cities.
More information on the HRC’s Municipal Equality Index can be found here.
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