Anti-Racism Resources: Resources

KCTCS ANTI-HARASSMENT/ DISCRIMINATION POLICY

(Click link above to read entire text of policy and procedure.)

3. Policy

3.1

It is KCTCS’ policy that all of its stakeholders have the right to work, learn, and interact in an environment that promotes equal opportunity and treatment, and is free of discriminatory practices and harassment in all its forms, including sexual harassment. Harassment and discrimination based on any protected classification is prohibited.

3.2

It is KCTCS’ policy to not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education programs or activities it operates, as KCTCS is required by Title IX not to discriminate in such a manner. This policy relates to all KCTCS stakeholders, including employees.

3.3

KCTCS encourages reporting of all perceived incidents of discrimination or harassment, and all allegations of harassment and discrimination will be promptly and thoroughly investigated. Management shall promptly and appropriately respond to findings of impermissible harassment and discrimination.

3.4

KCTCS prohibits retaliation against any individual who in good faith reports discrimination or harassment, or a violation of law or policy, or who participates in an investigation of any such report.

3.5

KCTCS stakeholders shall immediately report good faith allegations of impermissible harassment and discrimination, which shall be timely investigated in accordance with the Anti-Harassment/Discrimination Procedure; the Student Harassment or Discrimination Grievance Procedure, the KCTCS Code of Student Conduct, and/or the Sexual Misconduct Procedure. KCTCS administration shall take appropriate action based on the results of the investigation.

3.6

KCTCS shall ensure that all employees and volunteers receive substantive training about proper behavior in the workplace, what constitutes illegal harassment/ discrimination, and the applicable policies, procedures and legal requirements. Training required by Title IX and the Clery Act is made available to students online and is included in the employee/volunteer training as described in this section.

Dear KCTCS family,

Like many of you, I am saddened by the events taking place around our country. There is an abundance of anger and pain affecting cities in Kentucky and all across America as a result of the senseless loss of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and others.

I know people are hurt and confused right now. We can see how these emotions are rising to the surface and KCTCS is not immune.

• The downtown campus of Jefferson Community and Technical College has been defaced.
• Our colleges are getting questions and remarks on their social media pages.
• We are receiving information via our website about racist social media posts from students.

The right to free speech and peaceful assembly are fundamental to a democratic society. As an educator, I support these rights that are also the foundations of higher education. There is, however, no place for hate speech or harassment on our campuses, on our social media pages, or in the communities we serve. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere…Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”   

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are important to me. As an open access college system, we live out these values every day. During this time of heightened racial strife, I, along with other KCTCS and college leaders, want to acknowledge the strain faced by all faculty, staff, and students, with a particular focus on our family members of color. We are in this together. We must find the willpower to implement actions that address the challenges we face.              

Each college has a Diversity and Inclusion Plan and KCTCS has an Anti-Harassment/Discrimination Policy. As a System, we are working diligently to close the achievement gap, even though much work remains. We will ensure our colleges are open and welcoming to all.

We have never experienced the amount of uncertainty and angst that we are seeing right now. On top of the stress created by COVID-19, this new source of pain and anxiety may have created a need for some students and employees to seek assistance.

• Students are encouraged to contact your college to get information about how to access support to address emotional or mental health needs.

• Our employees should contact our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at 888-293-6948 or go to https://workhealthlife.com/Standard3. It is available 24/7/365 for you, your spouse, and dependents. Contacting the EAP is anonymous and no identifying information is reported back to KCTCS. 

Please continue to take care of yourself and your family. My hope is that our country can heal and move forward toward a more caring and loving society.

Sincerely,

Jay—

Jay K. Box, Ed.D.
President
Kentucky Community & Technical College System

300 N. Main St.

Versailles, KY 40383
W:  859-256-3132

Your success equals our success.

Special Closings:

January 15, 2024 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

February 19, 2024 - President's Day

March 29, 2024 - Good Friday (1/2 Day)

April 26, 2024 - Staff Development

*Hours are subject to change