The Division of Diversity, Access and Equity works to insure equal opportunity and non discrimination in employment and education activities. Students, faculty, staff and others are safe to seek resolution of issues related to reasonable accommodations, harassment and discrimination without fear of retaliation or intimidation. The office independently collaborates with UMKC units to resolve issues in a very private manner. It is the expectation that everyone at UMKC be accountable for advancing the goals of UMKC’s equal opportunity/affirmative action program.
Equity functions include:
- Disseminates information about laws, policies and procedures regarding equal opportunity, disability and harassment and discrimination.
- Provides training to faculty, staff and students about their rights and responsibilities with regard to equal opportunity.
- Resolves harassment and discrimination complaints.
- Monitors compliance with equal opportunity laws and policies.
- Facilitates accommodations for persons with disabilities and collaborate with appropriate units to ensure that buildings and facilities are ADA accessible.
- Develops and monitors the Affirmative Action program.
- Serve as a liaison between the University and federal, state and local equal opportunity agencies.
Affirmative Action Plan
UMKC is a federal contractor of $50,000+ and employs 50+ individuals, therefore, the University is required to develop and maintain a written affirmative action plan.
The 2006 Affirmative Action Plan is available for review in the Division of Diversity, Access and Equity, 212 Administrative Center, and in the following locations on campus:
- The Office of the Chancellor, 301 Administrative Center
- The Office of the Provost, 300 G Administrative Center
- The Office of Human Resources, 226 Administrative Center
- The Reference Desk in the Miller Nichols Library
- The Circulation Desk in the Health Science Library
Legal Basis of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action
Equal employment opportunity is the law of the land. In the public sector, this means that all persons, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, disability status, Viet Nam Era Veteran status or national origin shall have equal access to available positions and programs. Federal and state legislation and court decisions have established both the principles and the mandated requirements for compliance with these laws.