Discrimination, Harassment And Sexual Misconduct Trainings Set For UK Employees

From the University of Kentucky:

September 7, 2020

By Ryan Girves

The University of Kentucky Office of Institutional Equity and Equal Opportunity is now offering a variety of weekly trainings to better help the campus community understand a number of University of Kentucky policies.

While certain web-based trainings are required for all UK employees, these additional trainings allow for meaningful discussion with professional facilitation, while also providing participants with a deeper knowledge of how the university works to keep the campus community safe.

“Our weekly information sessions will help the community define what behaviors constitute discrimination, harassment and sexual misconduct and how people who experience those behaviors can get help from the university,” said Martha Alexander, executive director and Title IX coordinator.

“We offer two different information sessions on a weekly basis,” Alexander said. “The Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct Information Session provides basic information about the university’s policies related to discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct. The Interim Administrative Regulation 6:2 Information Sessions provide in-depth discussion of the new policy related to sexual harassment and sexual misconduct. Both sessions provide information about your rights at the university, what behavior is prohibited, how to make a report and give participants the opportunity to ask questions.”

Alexander hopes that attendees walk away from the trainings with a greater understanding of how to move forward if something has occurred that makes someone uncomfortable, what options are available to redress the behavior and how to report behavior. She also hopes to debunk many of the misconceptions surrounding reporting.

Faculty and staff are required to report to Institutional Equity any discriminatory behavior and sexual misconduct that is reported to them. Anyone who experiences or becomes aware of discrimination or sexual misconduct is encouraged to report the behavior as well. In most cases, filing a report does not initiate a formal investigation unless the person who experienced the behavior requests an investigation.

For those who have experienced discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct, the university offers amnesty for some violations of the Student Code of Conduct. Members of the campus community can report a problem through the Office of Institutional Equity and Equal Opportunity website or by calling the office at 859-257-8927.

Below is a list of when both trainings are offered. Trainings are currently scheduled through October, but offerings will be updated throughout the semester.

Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct Information Sessions

• Monday, Sept. 7, 12:15-1:15 p.m.
• Tuesday, Sept. 15, 4-5 p.m.
• Wednesday, Sept. 23, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
• Thursday, Oct. 1, 4-5 p.m.
• Friday, Oct. 9, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Interim Regulation AR 6:2 Information Sessions

• Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2-3 p.m.
• Thursday, Sept. 17, 3-4 p.m.
• Thursday, Sept. 24, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, Sept. 30, 10-11 a.m.
• Wednesday, Oct. 7, 3-4 p.m.
• Thursday, Oct. 15, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, Oct. 21, 3-4 p.m.
• Thursday, Oct. 29, 2-3 p.m.

To best meet the needs of the campus community, the Office of Institutional Equity and Equal Opportunity can also tailor a presentation on discrimination and harassment, sexual misconduct, the Americans with Disabilities Act and Affirmative Action for any unit or group on campus.

Pre-registration is required to attend the trainings. To register for either of the two sessions above, click here. If you would like to schedule an informational session for your group or your department, please contact the office at 859-257-8927.

For the duration of the global health crisis caused by COVID-19, the office will be providing live trainings through Zoom.

For more information on the Office of Institutional Equity and Equal Opportunity, visit their website. For a list of frequently asked questions, click here.

This press release was produced by the University of Kentucky. The views expressed here are the author’s own.