RESOLUTION ON SEXUAL ORIENTATION AT UTK
Approved unanimously at the October 20, 2003, meeting of the Faculty Senate
WHEREAS, the Faculty Senate of The University of Tennessee represents the interests of all faculty within a diverse university community; and
WHEREAS, the University of Tennessee Mission affirms our effort to "provide a high quality educational experience ... in a diverse learning environment--promoting the values and institutions of democracy that prepare students to lead lives of personal integrity and civic responsibility in a global society"; and
WHEREAS, The University of Tennessee does not discriminate on the basis of "race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability or veteran status in provision of educational programs and services or employment opportunities and benefits"; and
WHEREAS, this policy extends to both employment by and admission to the University; and
WHEREAS, the University's commitment to diversity reflects its recognition of the importance of an inclusive and welcoming environment in attracting, retaining, and supporting high quality faculty, staff, and students; and
WHEREAS, diversity of ideas can be expressed in classrooms, research, and administrative and support programs of the University only if all members of the university community feel protected in expressing their views; and
WHEREAS, exposure to and education regarding diversity of individuals and ideas are important components of education in the arts, humanities, sciences and the professional schools; and
WHEREAS, acts of discrimination and harassment against individuals, based upon their sexual orientation are contrary to the core values of the academy; and
WHEREAS, a clear and unambiguous policy prohibiting such discrimination and harassment is necessary so that all members of the university community will understand the protections afforded this University; and
WHEREAS, resolutions endorsing such a policy have been adopted by the University of Tennessee's Student Government Association and Graduate Student Senate; and
WHEREAS, the University of Tennessee at Memphis, the University of Memphis and East Tennessee State University already have non-discrimination policies that include sexual orientation; and
WHEREAS, most Carnegie I Research Universities include "sexual orientation" as part of their non-discrimination policies, and
WHEREAS, every employee at the University of Tennessee is vital to the fulfillment of our teaching, research and service mission, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Faculty Senate of the University of Tennessee encourage Chancellor Crabtree to work toward inclusion of "sexual orientation" in the University's non-discrimination policy, and to take other steps as warranted toward ensuring compliance with this amended policy.
Useful Links:
Austin Peay State University's non-discrimination policy includes sexual orientation
University of Memphis Policy on Sexual Orientation (1:2A:12:05)
East Tennessee State University Policy on Sexual Orientation (PPP-62)
Purdue University Policy on Sexual Orientation
University of Michigan Non-Discrimination Policy
University of Washington Non-Discrimination Policy
University of Georgia Sexual Orientation Policy
University of Texas Expanded its Non-Discrimination Policy as a result of pressure from the Association of American Law Schools
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Policy Statements on Non-Discrimination
Human Rights Campaign Website
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