Message from Dr. Doug Whitlock, President

Eastern Kentucky University is committed to maintaining an academic and professional work environment in which all persons are treated with dignity and respect and that is free from all forms of discrimination. We are further committed to maintaining recruitment and selection processes that do not discriminate against persons who apply for employment with the University. Discrimination on the basis of age (over 40), race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, national origin, or veteran status is a violation of University policy as well as various federal and state laws. All members of the University community have a responsibility for keeping our working and learning environment free of discrimination. Our goal is to prevent employment discrimination through training and communication.

In support of our commitment, the University is providing this online, self-paced training program entitled Preventing Employment Discrimination for faculty, staff, and students. This program explains state and federal laws related to discrimination, as well as University policies and procedures for reporting unlawful discrimination. It also gives examples of conduct that may be interpreted as harassment or discrimination, answers common questions and suggests ways in which you can successfully handle difficult situations.

As a University community, our goal must be an environment that recognizes the worth and potential of every individual and communicates respect among all members. I am fully committed to this goal and I trust that you share my resolve to foster a campus atmosphere that advances both the University’s mission and its reputation for excellence. At the end of the training program you will be asked to complete a mastery test to demonstrate your knowledge of employment discrimination. You will receive a completion certificate after you have successfully completed the program.

If you have any questions after the course, I encourage you to seek additional information through the Equal Opportunity Office in Jones 106 or by phone at 622-8020.

Please take time to review the information in the online program and think about what you as a member of our University community can do to promote the principles of equal opportunity and create an atmosphere of mutual respect that will allow each of us to achieve our full potential. Thank you for your attention to this very important matter.

Dr. Doug Whitlock
President