Institutional Statement
Office of Diversity and Equity Statement
As a premier international research university, the University of Kansas is committed to an open, diverse and inclusive learning and working environment that nurtures the growth and development of all. KU holds steadfast in the belief that an array of values, interests, experiences, and intellectual and cultural viewpoints enrich learning and our workplace. The promotion of and support for a diverse and inclusive community of mutual respect requires the engagement of the entire university. http://diversity.ku.edu/
Institutional Policy
Non-Discrimination Policy
The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression and genetic information in the university’s programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director of the Office of Institution Opportunity and Access: ioa@ku.edu 1246 West Campus Road, Room 153A, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, TTY 711.
Institutional Reporting
Institutional Opportunity and Access: Discrimination Reporting
To report discrimination or if you need guidance on discrimination concerns, please call the office of Institutional Opportunity and Access at 785-864-6415
Who must report discriminatory actions?
Unit heads and others who serve in leadership roles in the university are responsible for nondiscrimination in their employment and academic environments. Deans, Directors, Chairpersons or other administrators or supervisors, including faculty members, graduate teaching assistants, and academic advisors shall contact the Office of Institutional Opportunity and Access to initiate an investigation within their area of responsibility if they know or have reason to believe that discriminatory practice(s) may have occurred. The Executive Director of the Office of Institutional Opportunity and Access may also initiate an investigation when appropriate and in the interests of the University to do so. http://policy.ku.edu/IOA/discrimination-complaint-resolution
Definitions
Diversity: Individual differences (e.g., personality, learning styles, and life experiences) and group / social differences (e.g., race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexual orientation, country of origin, and ability as well as cultural, political, religious, or other affiliations) that can be engaged in the service of learning. Inclusion: The active, intentional and ongoing engagement with diversity – in people, in the curriculum, in the co-curriculum, and in communities (intellectual, social, cultural, geographical) with which individuals might connect – in ways that increase one’s awareness, content knowledge, cognitive sophistication, and empathic understanding of the complex ways individuals interact within [and change] systems and institutions.
Equity: The creation of opportunities for historically underrepresented populations to have equal access to and participate in educational programs that are capable of closing the achievement gaps in student success and completion. Definitions from: https://www.aacu.org
Discrimination: Is treatment or consideration of, or making a distinction in favor of or against, a person or thing based on the group, class, or category to which that person or thing belongs rather than on individual merit. This includes treatment of an individual or group based on their actual or perceived membership in a certain group or social category, “in a way that is worse than the way people are usually treated”. It involves the group’s initial reaction or interaction, influencing the individual’s actual behavior towards the group or the group leader, restricting members of one group from opportunities or privileges that are available to another group, leading to the exclusion of the individual or entities based on logical or irrational decision making.
Microaggressions: Is a form of unintended discrimination. It is depicted by the use of known social norms of behavior and/or expression that, while without conscious choice of the user, has the same effect as conscious, intended discrimination.
