Question on application asks if students identify as LGBTQ. The University at the central campus level permits options for students after enrolling. For example, students may subsequently submit this information for use in housing assignments if desired and for legal documentation other than gender assigned at birth.
We strongly value diversity in our staff, faculty and administrations. The Assistant Dean for Finance and Administration and Chief Diversity Officer utilize available resources first to enhance the pool of diverse applicants for staff positions, and the Faculty Appointments Committee commits the same effort using available resources for a pool of diverse applicants for faculty positions. With the goal to identify the best candidates for the position, administration and faculty remain mindful to keep in mind that diversity is an important factor, although not a sole determinant, for interviewing and hiring. When a diverse applicant is interviewed and made an offer, the dean, Chief Diversity Officer and faculty then engage campus and community partners to interact with the candidate prospect, and any trailing spouse, partner or significant other, to answer questions about the law school, university and the community. Further, efforts are made, when needed, to help the trailing spouse, partner or significant other with job leads.
For couples of any gender arrangement, the University recognizes any legal marriage and partnership through LGBTQ but not legally recognized through our sponsored dependent benefits. UK Health Care Clinic has a specific service: https://ukhealthcare.uky.edu/services/transform-health-services. Further, see Insurance Benefits – Medical Transition Services at: https://www.uky.edu/lgbtq/pride-employee-resource-group
See, https://ukhealthcare.uky.edu/services/transform-health-services and https://www.uky.edu/lgbtq/pride-employee-resource-group
The University offers health benefits to employees and some benefits to transgender students but not partners/spouses. Students are referred to the university clinic for further discussion and details.
See the University’s Office of LGBTQ* Resources at https://www.uky.edu/lgbtq/; https://ukhealthcare.uky.edu/services/transform-health-services; and https://www.uky.edu/counselingcenter/lgbtq-students
The Law Building has undergone a recent major renovation permitting the opportunity to be more inclusive with restrooms provided. There are three separate restrooms on each floor of the Law Building. They are identified, with practices consistent at the University, with one identified as “Women’s Restroom,” one identified as “Men’s Restroom” and one identified as “Single Use/Family Restroom.” There is a total of 12 restrooms (three on each floor) of the Law Building. All restrooms are accessible for those with disabilities. The University’s position on multi-user restrooms is any individual should use the restroom to which they identify and feel safe. The University has single-user restrooms with standardized signage and the University has a posted chart designating those restrooms on campus.
Consistent with the University of Kentucky practices, on each floor of the Law Building, there are three restrooms: one identified as “Women’s Restroom,” one identified as “Men’s Restroom” and one identified as “Single Use/Family Restroom.” The University clearly and regularly articulates that individuals use the restroom that correspond to their gender identify, whether or not assigned at birth, as long as they feel safe.
Seminar: Law and Sexuality (beginning Spring ’21)
LGBTQ content is covered in other classes but we are not able to determine the dedicated hours at this time.
UK Rosenberg College of Law provides funding for students who want to compete in national competitions focused on LGBTQ issues, including the Annual Williams Institute LGBT Moot Court Competition; funding for the OUTLaw student organization to host guest speakers and panelists on LGBTQ* related issues; and funding to the College’s Diversity Committee to host panels and discussion on inclusion and issues related to LGBTQ students and the legal community. The University’s Office of LGBTQ* Resources also supports LGBTQ students with funding and programming, some specific for graduate and professional students.
The UK Rosenberg College of Law faculty led Diversity Committee hosts monthly programming, including guest speakers and panelists, to discuss issues impacting diverse students, including LGBTQ+ students. The Diversity Committee, Chief Diversity Officer, Assistant Dean of Students Services, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and the Dean work together to address any known concern or need for a diverse student or groups of students, including LGBTQ+ students. We also collaborate with University resources supporting LGBTQ+ on matters, including the Office of LGBTQ* Resources, the Community of Concern (reporting mechanism to an established University committee consisting of representatives from various departments, including the counseling center, dean of students, Office of Institutional Equity, and police), Office of Institutional Diversity, and the Bias Incident Report team.
We strongly value diversity including students who identify as LGBTQ*. We invite students to self-identify on our application and then work with our student organization, OUTLaw, to assist in recruitment by reaching out to prospective students via email and calls. We also utilize and coordinate with all university resources including the Office of Institutional Diversity and the Office of LGBTQ* Resources.