Nondiscrimination Policy

University of Kansas, Lawrence

As a premier learning and research institution, the University of Kansas, Lawrence, must continuously address issues of diversity and multiculturalism. Every member of the university community is expected to engage in action that leads towards the development of a more democratic and inclusive community. Proactive efforts towards increasing diversity and the elimination of discrimination are necessary in our university.

In accordance with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Equal Pay Act of 1963, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, Executive Order 11246, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, The Americans with Disabilities Act, the Vietnam Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, the Kansas Acts Against Discrimination and all other applicable civil rights and nondiscrimination statutes, the University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, and veterans status.

The University of Kansas, Lawrence, is committed to the full participation of previously excluded or neglected classes of people. Thus, it is also the policy of the university to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, marital status, and parental status. The university's nondiscrimination policy extends to employment practices, conditions of employment, personnel actions and all other educational programs and activities of the university and its affiliates. Leaders in the university community continuously examine all areas of the institution, make policy decisions, and implement strategies to eliminate and prevent discrimination wherever necessary. Reports of discrimination shall be evaluated promptly and acted upon in the manner deemed necessary by the appropriate faculty and administrators and as prescribed by the appropriate grievance procedure.

Equal Opportunity

The University of Kansas, Lawrence, is also proud of its goal to help all individuals realize their potential. To this end, the university is committed to providing an equal opportunity for all qualified individuals to be considered for employment, benefits and conditions of employment, educational programs and activities, regardless of race, religion, color, sex, disability, national origin, ancestry, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status or parental status. University leaders and supervisory personnel shall recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles utilizing only valid requirements related to the position functions. A university community that provides equal opportunity in hiring and all conditions of employment will make significant strides towards the elimination of discrimination. Thus, the University of Kansas applauds every effort to create a positive working and learning environment for all individuals.

Affirmative Action

In addition to providing a discrimination-free community and equal opportunity for all persons, the university is committed to taking specific, result-oriented steps to increase the number of historically underrepresented persons and increase overall diversity. Cultural and intellectual diversity are critical components of premier learning communities. Thus, the university will actively recruit and encourage applications from underrepresented group members and will endeavor to provide a positive and supportive environment for members of these groups.

The university shall monitor its efforts to increase diversity through its Affirmative Action Plan. The university's Plan shall outline strategic initiatives and set goals to increase the representation of underrepresented group members.

Paramount to the success of the affirmative action program are the actions of university leaders. University officials at all levels are expected to establish a plan and implement procedures that help to meet the university's goals. The Assistant Director of Human Resources and Equal Opportunity and the Human Resources and Equal Opportunity Office staff are charged with the responsibility of responding to complaints of discrimination, monitoring university procedures regarding equal opportunity, setting goals, and monitoring and evaluating the university's progress towards its affirmative action goals. Any person who has a question regarding the applicable laws or policies, or who feels discriminated against, is encouraged to contact the Department of Human Resources and Equal Opportunity, 1246 W. Campus Road, 101 Carruth O'Leary, Lawrence, KS 66045, phone 785-864-3686, email equalop@ku.edu. See www.hreo.ku.edu for more information.