University may consider new policy

Murray State's anti-discrimination policy may soon join the policies of other Kentucky universities by including sexual orientation.

Jody Cofer, program specialist for undergraduate research and scholarly activity, recently made a presentation before the staff congress concerning the inclusion of sexual orientation in the University's anti-discriminatory policy.

"Murray State, like its sister institutions that include Eastern, Northern, and Western Kentucky Universities, has a responsibility to be a good steward of place," Cofer said. "Seventy-four percent of Kentuckians support protections against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in the workplace, and our sister institutions have recognized that in their written policies - MSU has not."

Cofer said adding sexual orientation to Murray State's anti-discriminatory policy poses several benefits for Murray State.

"It really gives our institution more leverage in recruiting and retaining high-quality diversity in staff," Cofer said.

Several faculty members, staff and students advocate the issue, and Cofer says their support will encourage the administration to consider changing its policy. He said adding sexual orientation as a term of anti-discrimination will illustrate Murray State's welcoming environment.

"You look at the majority of population and it is common knowledge that homosexuals and bisexuals are discriminated against, and they are a minority who needs protection," Cofer said. "People go where they are most comfortable. Murray State has a very comfortable community feeling."

Offering protection to those of a different sexual orientation and guaranteeing that protection in Murray State's anti-discriminatory policy may be a controversial idea, but Kyrus Harrington II, senior from East St. Louis, Ill., said changing the clause is the right thing to do.

"I think there's nothing wrong with doing that," Harrington said. "Sexual orientation now is just as big of a problem as racism was in the past. In order for (Murray State) to advance we must adjust in the way our community is going."

The issue is one which has been a concern for many members of the Murray State community, but Harrington said there should be one rule of thumb when hiring faculty and staff.

"I'm just not one to judge," Harrington said. "It shouldn't even be about your sexual orientation, just about your work ethic."