Commitment to an open + inclusive research environment

The University of Kansas is committed to creating and maintaining a safe and inclusive community where students, faculty and staff can learn and work free from all forms of harassment, sexual violence and discrimination.

This commitment extends to programs and activities on all campuses, field sites and anywhere KU research and education are conducted.

The university aligns in solidarity with the National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to ensure that all KU research and learning environments are free from harassment. The university is also a member of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine Action Collaborative on Preventing Sexual Harassment in Higher Education — an effort to research and develop evidence-based policies and practices that move beyond basic legal compliance to address and prevent all forms of sexual harassment.

The KU Office of Civil Rights & Title IX has an institutional responsibility to enhance and strengthen diversity and inclusion at the University of Kansas. Visit the office website for more information on KU policies, procedures and training opportunities on harassment and discrimination. The Office of Civil Rights & Title IX serves as a neutral and unbiased resource for students, faculty and staff who wish to report an allegation of discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual violence and/or retaliation.

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Funding agency requirements on harassment

The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research works in coordination with the Office of Civil Rights & Title IX to fulfill funding agency requirements for reporting.

Agency requirements

It is a National Science Foundation policy to foster harassment-free environments wherever science is conducted or taught, including at NSF-sponsored conferences, workshops, symposia, and field sites.

Reporting misconduct

Effective Oct. 22, 2018, the University of Kansas must report to NSF any findings of sexual harassment, other forms of harassment, or sexual assault by an NSF-funded PI or co-PI. The university must also notify NSF of any administrative or disciplinary action related to a harassment investigation or finding. Notifications will be handled by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research in coordination with the Office of Institutional Opportunity & Access.

Policy and procedures notices

The NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG), effective Feb. 25, 2019, requires applicants requesting NSF funds to carry out conferences, workshops, symposia and field work to have a policy or code of conduct that addresses sexual harassment, other forms of harassment or sexual assault, and that includes clear and accessible means of reporting violations of the policy or code-of-conduct.

Recipients of NSF funds to carry out conferences, workshops, symposia or field work must disseminate this policy or code of conduct to event participants prior to attendance and make it available at the event itself.

Message to participants

The message below complies with the above NSF requirements and has been approved for distribution by the KU Office of Civil Rights & Title IX. This message should be provided to all participants prior to and during NSF-supported conference, symposia and workshops.

Nondiscrimination & anti-harassment agreement

By participating in conferences, field work, or other programs sponsored by federal funds awarded to the University of Kansas, you are agreeing to abide by policies in place to ensure a safe and productive academic research environment. These include KU policies related to Sexual Harassment, the associated Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence procedure, Racial & Ethnic Harassment, and Nondiscrimination. The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university’s programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy.

Reporting harassment or discrimination

To report an allegation or concern, use the KU Office of Civil Rights & Title IX reporting form or contact the office directly at civilrights@ku.edu, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY.

Reporting misconduct

Recipients of NIH funds must proactively notify NIH of changes in status for principal investigators or other senior key personnel. Examples of changes in status include employment modifications, leaves of absence during an investigation of alleged misconduct, limiting access to facilities or resources or modifying employment, or leave status that impacts the employee’s ability to continue as PI or key personnel on an NIH award. KU must also notify NIH of any disciplinary action it takes due to concerns about harassment, bullying, retaliation or hostile working conditions. KU is required to seek advance approval for replacement of employees. See Clarification of NIH's Policy Regarding a Change in Program Director's/Principal Investigator's Status. Notifications will be handled by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research in coordination with the Office of Institutional Opportunity & Access.

Policy and procedures notices

NIH recipients of conference grant funding must take steps to maintain a safe and respectful environment for all attendees by demonstrating an institutional commitment to ensuring that proper policies, procedures and oversight are in place to prevent discriminatory harassment and other discriminatory practices as described in the NIH funding announcement for conferences and scientific meetings (Parent R13).

Details about expectations, policies and requirements for NIH recipients can be found at Supporting a Safe and Respectful Workplace at Institutions that Receive NIH Funding.

NASA is committed to promoting safe, productive research and education environments for current and future scientists and engineers. The PI, any Co-I, and all personnel supported by a NASA award are considered to be in a position of trust and must not engage in harassing behavior during the award period of performance, whether at the recipient's institution, online or outside the organization, such as at field sites or facilities, or during conferences and workshops.

Reporting misconduct

Effective April 9, 2020, the University of Kansas must report to NASA any findings/determinations of sexual harassment, other forms of harassment or sexual assault by a NASA-funded PI or Co-I. The new term and condition will also require KU to report to NASA if the PI or Co-I is placed on administrative leave, if KU has imposed any administrative action on the PI or Co-I, or any determination of an investigation of an alleged violation of KU’s policies or codes of conduct, statutes, regulations or executive orders relating to sexual harassment, other forms of harassment or sexual assault. Notifications will be handled by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research in coordination with the Office of Civil Rights & Title IX.

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