For the first time, CDCR has authorized rainbow patches to be worn by staff during Pride Month.
Ron Broomfield, director for the Division of Adult Institutions, issued a memorandum supporting staff who choose to wear rainbow patches during June.
“The purpose of this memorandum is to announce CDCR’s support for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (or questioning), intersex, asexual and agender (LGBTQIA+) community and to celebrate Pride Month,” Broomfield wrote. “Effective June 1, 2024, departmental staff are authorized to purchase and wear rainbow embroidered patches on approved uniforms annually in the month of June. For custody staff, patches shall be sewn on approved uniforms in accordance with the 2021 Uniform Specification Handbook.”
The patches need to be removed before July 1 each year.
“June is a time to honor the diversity, strength, and resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community. We encourage everyone to become more informed, compassionate and understanding allies and join us towards brighter futures, and safer communities,” according to a statement by the Government Alliance for Race and Equity (GARE).
Questions should be addressed to Capt. Mark Tillotson, Standardized Procedures Unit, Office of Standardization with the Division of Adult Institutions. Tillotson’s contact information can be found in Global.
Learn more about GARE on the CDCR website.
Story by the Office of Public and Employee Communications
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