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Equal Opportunity & Title IX
Office of Equal Opportunity & Title IX
The Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX is charged with the University’s compliance with Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972. Sexual harassment and sexual assault are forms of sex discrimination that are prohibited by Title IX and may include off campus conduct of such nature. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX is charged with the University’s compliance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
The Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX performs the following four functions in service to the University community:
- Administers the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment
- Monitors the University’s recruitment and selection activities for EO/AA compliance
- Provides online trainings covering discrimination and harassment based on protected classes as well as sexual harassment
- Maintains compliance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
Areas of Oversight
The Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX administers the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment. Students and employees should direct complaints of alleged discrimination/harassment to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX. The office investigates complaints that are made on the basis of age (40 and over), race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, ethnicity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and/or genetic information.
It is the Policy of Eastern Kentucky University (“EKU” or the “University”) to maintain an environment for students, faculty, administrators, staff, and visitors that is free of all forms of discrimination and harassment, including sexual misconduct. The University has published and enacted Policy 1.4.POL, Discrimination and Harassment to reflect and maintain its adherence to all federal and state civil rights laws prohibiting discrimination and harassment in public educational institutions and to reflect and maintain its values as an institution.
The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious belief, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, ethnicity, disability, medical condition, veteran status, genetic information, age, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law in its programs and activities. This prohibition applies to all University programs or activities, including but not limited to admission and employment.
The University will not tolerate discrimination of any kind, including all forms of sexual or gender-based discrimination, harassment, and misconduct, such as Sexual Assault, dating and domestic violence, sexual exploitation, and stalking. Policy1.4.1POL further prohibits aiding or inciting another person(s) to violate Policy 1.4.1POL. Policy 1.4.1POL specifically prohibits retaliation, in any form, against a person who reports, complains about, or who otherwise participates in good faith in any matter related to Policy 1.4.1POL and Procedures.
The Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX will promptly, and equitably, respond to Complaints under Policy 1.4.1POL in a fair, thorough, impartial, and transparent manner that respects the due process rights of all participants, protects the safety and welfare of students, employees, and the community, and restores or preserves equal access to the University’s programs and activities. Our office is committed to taking prompt, appropriate, and equitable action to respond to prohibited conduct as defined by Policy 1.4.1POL (“Prohibited Conduct”) and to take appropriate corrective action. The University is also committed to the ongoing assessment, improvement, and effective implementation of this Policy.
The Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX monitors the University’s recruitment and selection activities for EO/AA compliance. Additionally, our office is available to provide trainings and meet one-on-one with search committees.
“Affirmative Action” was first used in its contemporary sense by former President John F. Kennedy to ensure that government contractors “take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed, and employees are treated during employment, without regard to their race, creed, color, or nation origin.” The intent was to create equal opportunities for all qualified persons.
Eastern Kentucky University’s Affirmative Action Plan (AAP) is available for review in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX. Please contact us at 859-622-8020 if you have any questions or if you wish to review it.
Eastern Kentucky University’s Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action and Veteran’s statements (separate from the AAP) can be found at the bottom of every EKU website by clicking on the “EO/AA Statement” link.
The Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX offers web-based and in-person educational programs on harassment and discrimination issues. Our office is available to participate in guest lectures, orientation sessions, and student programming, as well as meet with search committees.
Web-based Trainings
The Office of Equal Opportunity & Title IX partners with Vector Solutions, which serves as a third-party vendor to develop and deliver online prevention training sessions related to discrimination, harassment, and Title IX awareness & violence. Vector Solutions’ web-based training meets the expectations communicated by the Department of Education and the Office of Civil Rights, as well as the Campus SaVE Act and the Clery Act.
These trainings ensure that all members of the EKU community are educated on University policy as well as federal and state laws. Additionally, the trainings also reflect our institutional values of mutual respect, inclusion, and the celebration of diverse people and ideas.
If you have any questions regarding the Vector Solutions trainings, please call our office at 859-622-8020.
Student Vector Solutions Training
Vector Solutions provides an online Sexual Violence Prevention training for students which discusses topics including sexual harassment, intimate partner violence, stalking, sexual violence, consent, and bystander intervention. This training provides students with an understanding of these issues, the causes, and ways to actively prevent and promote a violence-free campus. The trainings also include information on University policies and procedures as well as federal and state laws and legislation relating to these topics.
Students are required by the Office of Equal Opportunity & Title IX to complete two Vector trainings (Sexual Violence Awareness and Title IX Rights and Protections) every two years, starting the year the student joins EKU. Typically, students will complete the trainings as a Freshman and then again as a Junior. If a student has completed the required trainings and is receiving past due/training notifications, please contact the Office of Equal Opportunity & Title IX at 859-622-8020.
New Employee Vector Solutions Training
All new faculty, staff and student employees must complete online prevention training sessions related to Unlawful Harassment, Equal Employment Opportunity Laws & Discrimination, and Title IX Awareness & Violence.
All new employees must complete the training module within 30 days of their employment. New employee data is loaded into the training system monthly. This will generate an auto email prompt specific to each employee’s training requirements.
Employees can initiate and re-enter the modules–they do not need to be completed in a single session. Supervisors should provide employees work time to complete the modules.
Employee Vector Solutions Training
All employees will be required to repeat Vector Solutions trainings every two years. The trainings are titled: (1) Discrimination Awareness in the Workplace; and (2) Title IX and Sexual Harassment Prevention for Employees.
In accordance with state and Federal regulations, EKU has mandated discrimination and harassment training for all employees for many years. When it is time for you to complete your training as an employee, you automatically receive notice and access via email. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX partners with Vector Solutions to develop and deliver online prevention training sessions related to Discrimination, Harassment, Title IX Awareness, and Violence. Vector Solutions’ web-based training meets expectations communicated by the Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights, as well as the Campus SaVE Act and the Clery Act.
Additional Trainings
The Office of Equal Opportunity & Title IX staff makes presentations to classes and to departments upon request. If you are interested in hosting a presentation for your class, department, or student group and would like to discuss training offerings related to our office and University policy and procedures or guest lectures on discrimination, harassment, and/or equal opportunity and affirmative action, call our office at 859-622-8020 to discuss presentation options.
Eastern Kentucky University is an Equal Opportunity employer and educational institution and does not discriminate on the basis of age (40 and over), race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, ethnicity, disability, national origin, veteran status, and/or genetic information in the admission to, or participation in, any educational program or activity (e.g., athletics, academics and housing) which it conducts, or in any employment policy or practice. Any complaint arising by reason of alleged discrimination should be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX, Eastern Kentucky University, Jones Bldg. Room 416, Richmond, Kentucky 40475 (859) 622-8020, or the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, Lyndon Baines Johnson Department of Education Building, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC. 20202 1-800-421-3481(V), 1-800-877-8339 (TTY).
The Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX is charged with the University’s compliance with Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972. Sexual harassment and sexual assault are forms of sex discrimination that are prohibited by Title IX and may include off campus conduct of such nature. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX is charged with the University’s compliance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
It is the policy of the University that there shall be no discrimination in employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation and any other condition, or privilege of employment, on the basis of status as a disabled veteran, recently separated veteran (as defined by P.L. 107-288), veteran who served on active duty during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized, or veteran who participated in a US military operation for which an Armed Force Services Medal was awarded pursuant to EO 12985, with regard to any position for which such individual may be qualified. This policy is intended to be in compliance with the University’s obligation as a federal contractor under the Vietnam Era Veteran’s Readjustment Assistance Act, specifically 38 USC Sec. 4212, and its implementing regulations, 41 CFR 60-250. Any complaint arising by reason of alleged discrimination shall be directed to: Office of Equal Opportunity & Title IX, Eastern Kentucky University, Jones Bldg. Room 416, Richmond, Kentucky 40475-3102, (859) 622-8020.
Guides & Resources
Policies & Protocols
Contact Information
Office of Equal Opportunity & Title IX
Jones Building
Room 416
859-622-8020
Fax: 859-622-5051