Equal opportunity functions transferred to Office of Diversity & Equity

LAWRENCE — In order to emphasize the importance of diversity and equity at the University of Kansas, responsibility for equal employment opportunity, the Americans with Disabilities Act, affirmative action and other equal opportunity functions are being transferred to the Office of Diversity and Equity from KU’s Department of Human Resources and Equal Opportunity (HR/EO). The change will allow equal opportunity and diversity functions to operate more efficiently by merging each area within one unified department.

“One of the six goals of our strategic plan is to develop excellence in our faculty and staff, including better coordination of our diversity efforts,” said Fred Rodriguez, vice provost for Diversity and Equity. “For KU to excel, we must continue to strive for a more diverse and inclusive campus community. By blending these functions with our other campus diversity initiatives, we will be better positioned to achieve this goal.”

During the transfer of functions, Allen Humphrey, human resources assistant director for Employee Relations/EO, will serve as the primary point of contact for complaints involving alleged discrimination in violation of University policy, state or federal law, including the ADA and Title IX.

Equal Opportunity functions will continue to be housed in Carruth-O’Leary Hall, which will allow for and encourage continued interaction with colleagues in Human Resources.

The Office of Multicultural Affairs, the Emily Taylor Women’s Resource Center, the Office for Diversity in Science Training and the new director of Accessibility & ADA Education will also be reporting to the Office of Diversity and Equity.

“This is an exciting opportunity to better coordinate our compliance to equal opportunity laws and our many programs committed to all aspects of diversity,” said Ola Faucher, director of HREO. “This will have a positive benefit across campus and allow these units to work together, creating a more vibrant campus.”