We have updates about DOJ GEN’s abortion-related advocacy (progress!), flexible work options, an upcoming DOJ GEN and DOJABA moderated discussion, Pride events at DOJ, and some interesting detail opportunities.

Admin leave for feds who must cross state lines for abortion care

As we’ve mentioned in recent emails, on May 18, DOJ GEN sent a letter to the Administration urging it to grant administrative leave to cover the travel time for those who need to go to other states for reproductive healthcare due to state bans.  Last week, 25 senators advanced the idea!  They sent President Biden a letter asking that he issue an executive order directing the federal government to develop a national plan to defend abortion rights, including by authorizing feds’ use of administrative leave for travel for abortion care.  They took a step further by also suggesting that the government pay for feds’ interstate travel.

And there’s more exciting news!  According to this New York Times article from today, the Administration is leaning toward adopting our idea: “Administration officials have signaled their confidence that the department would approve granting federal employees paid leaves of absence to travel to another state to terminate unwanted pregnancies.”  We’ll keep you updated about our efforts on this proposal and others we’re actively working on to protect DOJ employees’ access to reproductive healthcare.

Updates on flexible work options.

The National Association of Assistant U.S. Attorneys (NAAUSA) surveyed about 600 AUSAs on flexible work options at DOJ’s 94 U.S. Attorney offices.  The results show significant inconsistencies, with fewer than half of USAOs offering options that NAAUSA describes as “flexible.”  NAAUSA urges DOJ to “adopt a uniform, baseline approach to telework” that allows a “at least two days a week.”  You can read a Federal News Network interview with NAAUSA’s VP, Adam Hanna, who discusses the results.

DOJ GEN joined Adam in May to discuss flexible work options at DOJ generally on a Federal News Network podcast.

A House committee voted to advance a bill that would strengthen telework in federal agencies.  You’ll find the text of the Telework Metrics and Cost Savings Act here. 

DOJABA & DOJ GEN Safe Space Discussion: Allyship and Gains for Black Women

In recent years, white women have made gains in attaining leadership roles in the Department, but the gains for Black women haven’t been nearly as significant. Where are the gains for Black women in the Department?  What obstacles do Black women face in seeking upward mobility?  What steps can we, collectively, take to increase the numbers of Black women in leadership?  How can white women become better allies by speaking up and helping to more effectively drive systemic change and diversify the Department’s leadership ranks.

Join DOJ GEN and DOJABA for a virtual, moderated safe space discussion on Thursday, July 7, from 12:00–1:15 p.m. ET.  Participants will join small groups led by a Diversity and Inclusion Dialogue Program (DIDP) trained facilitator.  To maintain small group dynamics and an intimate discussion, total participation will be capped at 40.  If the slots are filled, please sign up for the waitlist.  Pre-reading materials and the link to join this discussion will be circulated to registered participants before the event.  Register or join the waitlist by visiting: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dojaba-doj-gen-safe-space-discussion-allyship-and-gains-for-black-women-tickets-360063488587.

Pride events! 

• Celebrate Pride with DOJ this year.  Here’s what going on:

• The Department is hosting a virtual WebEx program on June 23 (which is also the 50th anniversary of Title IX!) at 11:00 a.m. ET with special remarks from AAG Kristen Clarke and other special guests.  Here’s the link: https://usdoj.webex.com/usdoj/j.php?MTID=mfbccc15edbe43d3ee96a3d6159a899e4.

• DOJ will fly a Pride flag at Main Justice next week!

• DOJ Pride will host a happy hour on June 23 at 5:00 p.m. ET at The Dirty Goose—913 U Street NW, DC.

Cool detail opportunities

• DOJ is offering two one-year, non-reimbursable detail assignments to support DEIA initiatives at the Department.

• The Office on Violence Against Women is offering a reimbursable detail to serve as the confidential/special assistant to OVW’s Principal Deputy Director.

• The Office of the Pardon Attorney is offering a non-reimbursable detail positions for an attorney advisor and a paralegal specialist.

That’s it for now!  Let’s talk soon.