Fedweek

President Clinton has issued an amendment to an executive order (No. 11478) that adds parental status to the list of factors that may not be considered in federal employment decisions ranging from hiring to firing. For purposes of the order, a parent is considered someone who is a biological, adoptive, foster or stepparent, a custodian of a legal ward, or someone who is actively seeking legal custody or adoption of an individual under age 18 or someone older than 18 but incapable of self-care because of physical or mental disability. The order also calls on the Office of Personnel Management to issue further guidance on the issue.