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UT’s Queer History

News Articles from The Daily Beacon

Pride Center Reopens After Diversity Office Defunding
August 2016

Inclusive Language: Summary of Human Resources New Hire Forms
August 2008

Report on Domestic Partner Benefits at UTK’s Peer Institutions
March 2008

UTK Adds Gender Identity to its EEO/AA Statement
January 2008

The UTK Faculty Senate passes LGBTQ Safe Zone resolution.
November 2007

The Daily Beacon publishes an article on UTK’s new anti-discrimination policy.
October 2007

UTK Adds Sexual Orientation to its EEO/AA Statement
August 2007

Principles and Prejudice

Provost Holub’s statement on the exclusion of sexual orientation in UT’s official EEO/anti-discrimination policy.
June 18, 2007

UT Commission for LGBT People unanimously passes resolution on inclusion of sexual orientation and gender identity in UT’s non-discrimination policy
March 22, 2007

SGA/GSS pass resolutions on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identification at UTK
February 13, 2007

Dr. Lyons mentions 2003 Faculty Senate resolution; Dr. Holub strongly agrees
October 6, 2006

EEO/AA Tagline added to OED website and job advertisements
January 2006

Welcoming Statement added to OED website

2005

SGA introduces SEN-18-06 Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Statement
November 22, 2005

Dr. Beauvais Lyons posts Policy Change banner in UC
August 1, 2005

Students to use silence in protest of discrimination
Tuesday, April 12, 2005 issue

UT policy should be updated
Thursday, September 22, 2005 issue

*UT Chattanooga Faculty Senate passes resolution including Sexual Orientation
March 18, 2004

*UT Faculty Senate Unanimously Approves Sexual Orientation Resolution
October 20, 2003

Lambda addresses problems 
Wednesday, April 18, 2001 issue

Diversity forum found lacking in variety of types of tolerance
Thursday, February 08, 2001 issue

Lambda Student Union hopes to promote gay acceptance, protection on campus
Wednesday, November 01, 2000 issue

ETSU approves non-discrimination policy including sexual orientation
January, 2000

Snyder expresses his support for clause addition
Friday, October 29, 1999 issue

Open mind
Friday, October 29, 1999 issue

UT lags in adopting clause
Wednesday, October 27, 1999 issue

Discrimination
Wednesday, October 27, 1999 issues

Board passes over orientation clause
Friday, October 15, 1999 issue

Student voices
Friday, October 15, 1999 issue

Board passes over orientation clause
Friday, October 15, 1999 issue

Voters to decide SGA referenda
Tuesday, April 06, 1999 issue

‘Silence’ supports sexual orientation
Wednesday, April 08, 1998 issue

‘Moral Victory’ an Oxymoron
Thursday, September 11, 1997 issue

Snyder Policies cover orientation
Friday, May 02, 1997 issue

Student experience shows not all are protected at UT
Friday, May 02, 1997 issue

University’s future depends on bill’s passage
Tuesday, April 01, 1997 issue

Bill awaits Little’s approval
Thursday, February 27, 1997 issue

Opposition to new bill shows student diversity
Friday, February 14, 1997 issue

*GSA approves anti-discrimination bill
Friday, February 14, 1997 issue

SGA needs to support sexual orientation bill
Monday, February 10, 1997 issue

University of Memphis includes sexual orientation in non-discrimination policy
December 19, 2006

Homosexuals warrant equality
Tuesday, October 01, 1996 issue

Homosexuals seek equality 
Monday, September 23, 1996 issue

UT Martin Faculty Senate raise non-discrimination policy and partner benefits
September 10, 1996

Campus group wants more protection under new clause
Tuesday, June 25, 1996 issue

Petition can cause change in UT policy
Thursday, January 25, 1996 issue

Lambda challenges lack of policy 
Tuesday, January 23, 1996 issue

Lambda petition too early for change

Tuesday, January 23, 1996 issue

 

 

University of Tennessee and UT, Knoxville Policies

Current EEO/AA Statement

University of Tennessee Official EEO/AA Statement (December 2007, with gender identity included)

EEO/AA Statement /Non-Discrimination Statement
The full University of Tennessee Knoxville, Non-Discrimination Statement EEO/AA statement reads as follows:

All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admissions without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status.

Eligibility and other terms and conditions of employment benefits at The University of Tennessee are governed by laws and regulations of the State of Tennessee, and this non-discrimination statement is intended to be consistent with those laws and regulations.

In accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, The University of Tennessee affirmatively states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities, and this policy extends to employment by the University.

Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), ADA (disability), Age Discrimination in Employment Act (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Office of Equity and Diversity (OED), 1840 Melrose Avenue, Knoxville, TN  37996-3560, telephone (865) 974-2498 (V/TTY available) or 974-2440.  Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at the Office of Equity and Diversity.

Inclusion of this statement is required in the following:

  • Position announcements (which are not paid advertisements) sent to potential referral sources and other institutions of higher education to solicit applications or nominations.
  • Catalogs, application forms, posters and other material used in conjunction with the referral and/or recruitment of students, faculty or staff.
  • Publications which contain general information and are made available toalumni/ae, faculty, staff, students or other participants in or beneficiaries of University programs.

Short EEO/AA/Non-Discrimination Statement

The UT Knoxville Campus EEO/AA/ Non-Discrimination Statement reads as follows:

The University of Tennessee is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA institution in the provision of its education and employment programs and services.  All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status.

Inclusion of the short EEO/AA/Non-Discrimination Statement is required in, but NOT limited to, the following:

  • Paid advertisements to solicit applications for faculty and staff positions of employment.
  • Contracts for goods or services.
  • Purchase orders.
  • Brochures and newsletters.

University of Tennessee Official EEO/AA Statement (August 2007, prior to the addition of gender identity)
All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status.

Eligibility and other terms and conditions of employment benefits at The University of Tennessee are governed by laws and regulations of the State of Tennessee, and this non-discrimination statement is intended to be consistent with those laws and regulations.

In accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, The University of Tennessee affirmatively states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities, and this policy extends to employment by the University.

Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), A.D.A. (disability), Age Discrimination in Employment Act (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Office of Equity and Diversity (OED), 1840 Melrose Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, telephone (865) 974-2498 (V/TTY available) or 974-2440. Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at the Office of Equity and Diversity.

University of Tennessee Official EEO/AA Statement (Prior to policy change)
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. This policy extends to both employment by and admission to the University.
The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities pursuant to the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973,and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990.
Inquiries and charges of violation concerning Title VI, Title IX, Section 504, ADA or the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) or any of the other above referenced policies should be directed to the Office of Equity and Diversity (OED), 1840 Melrose Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996 3560, telephone (865) 974 2498 (V/TTY available) or 974-2440. If you have any questions concerning ADA accommodation(s), please contact the Office of Equity and Diversity (OED).

UT, Knoxville Tagline Addition to EEO/AA Statement/Chancellor’s Welcoming Statement (Prior to the Policy Change in August 2007)
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in its efforts to ensure a welcoming environment for all persons, does not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation in its campus-based programs, services, and activities. Inquiries and complaints should be directed to the Office of Equity and Diversity.

 


 

Inclusion of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in Peer, SEC, and AAU Institutions in 2007

Download a full copy of the report with policy statements for each institution.

Inclusion of Sexual Orientation in Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) Institutions in 2007

East Tennessee State University
East Tennessee State University is fully in accord with the belief that educational and employment opportunities should be available to all eligible persons without regard to race, creed, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, physical or mental disabilities, veteran status, or sexual orientation.

Middle Tennessee State University
It is the policy of Middle Tennessee State University that neither its students nor its employees be discriminated against on the basis of that individual’s sexual orientation. Such a policy helps ensure that only relevant factors are considered and that equitable and consistent standards of conduct and performance will be applied.For the purpose of this policy, sexual orientation shall be defined as heterosexual, homosexual or bisexual status. A student who has an academic complaint involving discrimination based on his or her sexual orientation should contact the Office of the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs. All other student complaints involving sexual orientation should be directed to the Assistant Dean of Judicial Affairs.Any individual who has an employment discrimination complaint based upon his or her sexual orientation should contact the University’s EO/AA Compliance Officer.This policy shall not be construed to (1) infringe upon the free exchange of ideas essential to the academic environment, (2) limit the freedom of religious association, or (3) establish a duty to engage in affirmative action measures on the basis of sexual orientation. Further, this policy shall not be construed to require the compliance of external government agencies University programs governed by external government agencies in which non-discrimination does not include sexual orientation (i.e., ROTC), or programs that discriminate as a matter of policy. Notwithstanding the language set forth in this policy, eligibility of its employees for employment benefits is determined by the laws and regulations of the State of Tennessee, and is not affected by this policy.

Pellissippi State Technical Community College
Pellissippi State is committed to non-discrimination and to equal educational and employment opportunities. It is the intent of Pellissippi State to recruit, hire, and promote all faculty and staff without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, disability unrelated to job performance, or other protected status.

Roane State Community College
Institutional policy is to provide Equal Employment Opportunity for all present and prospective employees regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, and physical or mental disability. Although sexual orientation is not included as a protected status under the law, the college is committed to equal employment and educational opportunities and applies this commitment to all aspects of recruitment, employment and education. It is also College policy to afford equal employment opportunities for applicants and employees who are veterans of the Vietnam era. This policy applies to all personnel actions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, classification/ compensation, benefits, promotions, transfers, layoffs, recalls from layoffs and educational, social, and recreational programs of this institution.

Volunteer State Community College
Volunteer State Community College, a Tennessee Board of Regents institution, is an equal opportunity institution and ensures equal opportunity for all persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, age, sexual orientation or status as a qualified veteran with a disability or veteran of the Vietnam era.


University of Tennessee and UT, Knoxville Policies

University of Tennessee Official EEO/AA Statement (August 2007)
All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status.

Eligibility and other terms and conditions of employment benefits at The University of Tennessee are governed by laws and regulations of the State of Tennessee, and this non-discrimination statement is intended to be consistent with those laws and regulations.

In accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, The University of Tennessee affirmatively states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities, and this policy extends to employment by the University.

Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), A.D.A. (disability), Age Discrimination in Employment Act (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Office of Equity and Diversity (OED), 1840 Melrose Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, telephone (865) 974-2498 (V/TTY available) or 974-2440. Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at the Office of Equity and Diversity.

University of Tennessee Official EEO/AA Statement (Prior to policy change)
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. This policy extends to both employment by and admission to the University.
The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities pursuant to the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973,and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990.
Inquiries and charges of violation concerning Title VI, Title IX, Section 504, ADA or the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) or any of the other above referenced policies should be directed to the Office of Equity and Diversity (OED), 1840 Melrose Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996 3560, telephone (865) 974 2498 (V/TTY available) or 974-2440. If you have any questions concerning ADA accommodation(s), please contact the Office of Equity and Diversity (OED).

UT, Knoxville Tagline Addition to EEO/AA Statement/Chancellor’s Welcoming Statement (Prior to the Policy Change in August 2007)
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in its efforts to ensure a welcoming environment for all persons, does not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation in its campus-based programs, services, and activities. Inquiries and complaints should be directed to the Office of Equity and Diversity.

 

 

Past Events in Chronological Order

Film: The Celluloid Closet, April 24, 2007

Film: Gay Pioneers and The Wedding Banquet, June 6, 2007

Discussion: oUT in the Classroom: Integrating LGBT Topics into the UT Classroom, August 14, 2007

Film: Saint of 9/11, September 5, 2007

Faculty Lecture: Dustin Parrott, Instructor, UT Dept of English; Queer Studies in a First-Year Composition Classroom, September 11, 2007

Film: Before Stonewall: The Making of the Gay and Lesbian Community, Oct 3, 2007

Faculty Lecture : Dr. Dawn Szymanski, UT Dept of Psychology; External and Internalized Heterosexism as Correlates of Psychosocial Distress among Sexual Minority Persons, October 9, 2007

Speaker: Suzanne Pharr, Obsessed with Sex and Power: America’s Struggle with Homophobia, Racism, and Sexism, October 18, 2007

Film: After Stonewall, October 24, 2007

Film: TransAmerica, November 7, 2007

Faculty Lecture: Dr. Gina Owens, UT Dept of Psychology; Barriers to Mental Health Access for Sexual Minority Individuals, February 12, 2008

Film: The Sum of Us, February 20, 2008

Faculty Lecture: Dr. Jennifer Hendricks, UT College of Law; Discrimination and Harassment Laws in the Workplace, March 11, 2008

Film: Farm Family: In Search of Gay Life in Rural America, March 12, 2008

Discussion: -ISMS in the Classroom, April 8, 2008

Film: Fabulous! The Story of Queer Cinema, April 9, 2008

Program: OUT on Campus: What is it like to be LGBT at UTK?, a panel discussion and question and answer, October 1, 2008

Program: Karen Kahn and Pat Gozemba, authors of Courting Equality: A Documentary History of America’s First Same-Sex Marriages, lecture and iMovie presentation, October 18, 2008

Launch of Voices of Diversity, an Online LGBT Story Archive, November 2008

Program: LGBT Issues Forum: A New President, Prop 8, and more!, January 13, 2009

Event: Spring Semester Social, February 12, 2009

Film: Saint of 9/11, September 10, 2009

Film: For the Bible Tells Me So, September 17, 2009

Film: A Jihad for Love, September 24, 2009

Film: Two Spirits & All God’s Children, October 1, 2009

Film: In Good Conscience, October 8, 2009

Film: Trembling Before G-D, October 22, 2009

Program: LGBT Issues Surrounding Religion, Faith, and Spirituality, a panel and forum, October 29, 2009

Speaker: Out from Appalachia: Stories with Dorothy Allison, November 13, 2009