Nondiscrimination in Education and Employment

Policy Documents:

The final Nondiscrimination in Education and Employment policy is located here. Also included is a comparison showing changes from the proposal.

Summary:

This new policy reiterates the university’s commitment to nondiscrimination and to prohibiting discriminatory harassment, more clearly establishes the process for discrimination and harassment investigations and resolutions, and adds new language regarding shared ancestry that is required by a recently enacted state law.

Comments:

One commenter requested express protections for the wearing of attire associated with religious beliefs.

Other commenters asked whether anonymous reports of discrimination are permitted, where complaints should be directed, and why specific language regarding shared ancestry appears in the policy. Another asked for express protections against retaliation.

Changes in Final Policy vs. Proposal:

The following changes were made to the proposal, including in response to comments:

• A reference to protections for religious attire was added to the policy.
• The new policy continues the university’s prior protections for marital status and gender expression.

Other submitted questions were already addressed in the original proposal, which included anti-retaliation protections, a provision citing the EthicsPoint portal as a resource for anonymous complaints, and clear directions for submitting complaints.

Kentucky law requires the inclusion of the specific section regarding shared ancestry SJR 55 (2025 session).