Norman recognized by HRC as one of only 118 top ranked cities

The City of Norman has received a perfect score for the second year in a row in the 2022 Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Municipal Equality Index – a benchmark initiative evaluating laws, policies and services that create supportive LGBTQ+ environments.

Norman was one of 506 municipalities evaluated nationwide in the 11th iteration of HRC’s Municipal Equality Index – including eight in Oklahoma – and one of only 118 to receive a “100 out of 100” on its scorecard this year. The average score of all cities ranked was a 69, according to the HRC; the City of Norman achieved the highest score in the state.

Categories for which cities are evaluated and rated include: Non-discrimination laws, the municipality as an employer, municipal services, law enforcement and leadership on LGBTQ+ equality.

“By prioritizing support and equal opportunity for LGBTQ+ people, allied municipal leaders are creating an environment where every resident, employee and visitor can thrive,” said Kelley Robinson, President of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation.

Advancements led through the Office of Diversity & Equity in recent years raised Norman’s MEI score from 92 to 100. Employee support and inclusivity by way of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), one of which focuses on the LGBTQ+ community at the City of Norman, was an asset taken into account during the ranking process.

“Our focus is on creating a daily environment that feels safe, welcoming and inclusive – not only for City of Norman employees who identify as LGBTQ, but for everyone,” said Bethany Grissom, City of Norman LGBTQ+ ERG President. “We are proud to have a perfect score of 100 and hope to see other Oklahoma cities join us in that category next year.”

The Human Rights Campaign, established in 1980, leads with the goal to "ensure that all LGBTQ+ people, and particularly those of us who are trans, people of color and HIV+, are treated as full and equal citizens within our movement, across our country and around the world."

Visit normanok.gov/your-government/diversity-and-equity for more information about becoming involved in the advancement of diversity and equity at the local level.

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