service status, or any other status protected by law, absent a bona fide occupational qualification. Non-discrimination requires compliance with federal, state and local employment laws and regulations, including, but not limited to, the following: Equal Pay Act of 1963, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

All University policies strongly promote equal opportunity and non-discrimination but currently, the only University policy document that includes protection from discrimination based on sexual orientation is the University's Ethical Principles and Code of Conduct (the "Code of Conduct"). The non-discrimination provision of the Code of Conduct provides that:

“Equal opportunity shall be provided for all persons throughout the University in recruitment, appointment, promotion, payment, training, and other employment practices without regard to sex, sexual orientation, race, ethnic origin, national origin, color, creed, religion, age uniform service or veteran status, physical or mental disability, or political belief.”

Although the Code of Conduct is incorporated by reference in other policy documents, the University should adopt a uniform, non-discrimination policy that includes protection from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. This policy shall be included in all University policy documents and state as follows:

Equal opportunity shall be provided to all persons throughout the University. Kentucky State University does not discriminate in the administration of or access to any educational services or in regard to any employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age (except for minors), national origin, ethnicity, citizenship status (except as required by law), disability, military service status, marital status or any other status protected by law, absent a bona fide occupational qualification. Non-discrimination requires compliance with federal, state and local employment laws and regulations, including, but not limited to, the following: Equal Pay Act of 1963, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Recommendation:

Approval of revision of non-discrimination policy to include sexual orientation, to take effect immediately.

Approval

Initiator:Raymond M. Burse
Board Action Date:January 22, 2016
Effective Date:January 22, 2016

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