Statement on protection of human rights in LGBT communities across the country

Since our founding, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF) has been guided by the belief that all children should have an equal opportunity to thrive. For this vision to become a reality, WKKF also steadfastly believes that race and gender equity must be an objective in our communities, for everyone in our communities. It is very disappointing that North Carolina among other states, has thought to enact legislation that overturns protections for all people including LGBT people, sanctioning open discrimination against them.

WKKF stands with businesses, organizations and individuals seeking to protect the human rights of the LGBT communities in North Carolina, as well as other states where similar laws are being considered. We are heartened by the broad coalition of public sector, non-profit, business and civic leaders who are speaking out against this injustice. WKKF is proud to join their ranks. 

We envision an America where everyone has equal opportunities to succeed. As I stated in June 2015 when the Supreme Court ruled to uphold marriage equality, all children deserve to live in families where they and their parents have equal rights and opportunities to thrive.

This affront on the life and families of LGBT communities in North Carolina is diminishing their human value. We call upon local and national leadership in both North Carolina and across the country in assuring we unite communities rather than divide them.