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Ally Program

Division of Equity and Diversity, University of North Texas

8/25/99

Questions and Answers

 

All information mentioned or described in this report is available upon request at the Division of Equity and Diversity.

UNT is an institution with "…… a history of seeking to preserve an atmosphere of openness and tolerance. This university is committed to maintaining an unpretentious and accepting atmosphere welcoming anyone who will strive to achieve his or her personal best." (1999/2000 Undergraduate Catalog, p.7).

In general, UNT community members, including GLBT students, staff and faculty, as well as many GLBT allies, do not clearly realize that sexual orientation is included in the University’s non-discrimination policy due to the manner in which the policy is written. However, it has been reported that both the student handbook (on the internet) and the housing brochure have a statement to the effect that UNT supports non-discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

The non-discrimination/equal employment opportunity and affirmative action policy, is in the UNT Policies Manual, vol. 1, Human Resources Department (policy 1.3.7) – http://www.unt.edu/human resources/policies/contents.htm.

Refer to the University policy on diversity, UNT Policies Manual, vol. 2, Human Resources Department (policy 10.15) – http://www.unt.edu/human resources/policies/contents.htm.

Refer to the sexual harassment policy, UNT Policies Manual, vol. l, Human Resources Department (policy number 1.3.19) and the consensual relationship policy (policy 1.3.23) – http://www.unt.edu/human resources/policies/contents.htm

Steve Miller, UNT’s Director of Human Resources, has responded to the following questions:

  1. In regard to UNT’s non-discrimination policy, does your office consider sexual orientation to be included as a protected group, along with those protected by law?

    2. A. The University’s non-discrimination policy states: "In addition to complying with the federal and state equal opportunity laws and regulations, the university through its Diversity Policy declares harassment based on individual differences (including sexual orientation) inconsistent with its mission and educational goals."

    Although not a protected group under the law, we have by policy established GLBT persons as a "protected group" from "harassment" here at the university. We interpret this to mean that individuals cannot be harassed or treated differently because of their sexual orientation and to do so would be a violation of university policy. When dealing with these cases, we refer them to the Division of Equity and Diversity for investigation and action.
  2. Is there a UNT policy that states that if any UNT policy is violated, disciplinary action could result?

A. Yes, for both faculty and staff the University’s Ethics Policy, No. 1.2.9, Section 2, Standards of Conduct, Item 2.15 states: "Faculty and staff members shall not knowingly or intentionally violate policies of the university or state or federal laws regarding their employment." Item 2.17 of the same policy further states that violation of any of the codes of conduct (including Item 2.15) is grounds for "disciplinary action, including suspension or discharge, whichever is applicable."

In addition, the Performance Counseling and Discipline Policy (No. 1.7.1), applicable to staff members only, includes the following major rule violation: "4.20. Failure to abide by university and/or departmental policies or rules." Violation of this rule also may result in severe disciplinary action, including suspension or discharge.

Questions submitted by the allies, among others, include:

  1. What will my supervisor say if I want to be a GLBT ally?
  2. Is the GLBT ally program at UNT a sanctioned university program?
  3. May I be fired from UNT based on my sexual orientation alone?
  4. May I share my true sexual orientation with my peers without fear of discrimination?
  5. May I be denied tenure at UNT based on my sexual orientation alone?
  6. Why is there not a plan to achieve tolerance to prevent all forms of discrimination at UNT?
  7. What right does a student have when a professor makes derogatory comments about gays or lesbians to a large class?
  8. What right does a faculty or staff member have if a peer makes a derogatory comment about GLBT persons during a meeting or in conversation with others?

Responses to above questions: Faculty and staff need to initally talk with the person they report to about becoming an ally so that the supervisor is informed. University employees who seek to volunteer to become a trained ally and participate in ally activities, must receive prior permission from their immediate supervisor. This document may serve as a source of information if the ally’s supervisor does not already know about UNT’s GLBT ally program.

Yes, the GLBT ally program at UNT is an approved university program. The Division of Equity and Diversity coordinates the program.

Additional questions may include:

1. Why should UNT have the GLBT ally program?

To support the goal of establishing a welcoming environment for all students, staff and faculty at UNT.

To assure that GLBT persons have a support system on campus, as other student, staff and faculty groups do.

To participate in a successful program in operation at other Texas universities and colleges, including:
    • University of Texas – Austin – safe space program;
    • Texas A&M University – ally program;
    • Texas Christian University - allies; and,
    • Southern Methodist University - allies.

To at least achieve a level of tolerance.

2. Why are ally program plaques needed in offices and work areas?

Plaques allow a person to identify and talk to a trained ally knowledgeable of sexual orientation issues and related laws and policies and not have to make a request to someone who may not be understanding or keep a conversation confidential. Plaques allow students and others to not disclose personal information to a non-ally.

3. Why can this program not be implemented very quietly?

This is an educational process that all persons should be made aware of and understand, to include those in administration, supervisory roles, as well as faculty, staff and students.

To prevent miscommunication by providing accurate and clear communication.

4. What if other groups of persons want to display their "symbols" on campus?

The ally program is a university sanctioned program.

Other university sanctioned programs also post stickers by office doors, including the Mentor Program.

"Hate groups" do not have the option of posting stickers or signs on campus. The university does not protect hate groups.

5. How are allies not promoting the GLBT lifestyle?

Allies listen and offer information and resources. Allies definitely do not promote a lifestyle; that is not part of the communication.

Faculty and staff routinely talk to others with different beliefs, such as political and religious beliefs. Promoting a particular belief does not need to be part of the conversation.

6. What about Christian beliefs held by many?

The ally program is definitely not about religion. Information and resources will be given to interested persons by the allies.

7. Are we going to get hate mail?

Allies definitely do not advocate a lifestyle. Allies are promoting a welcoming environment for all students, faculty and staff, as UNT is a microcosm of society. Should hate mail be received, that action alone is a reason to have a program to at least achieve tolerance of others different than oneself. Receiving hate mail is not a reason for not implementing a program in support of human rights.

It is noted that in the May 2, 1999 issue of the "Fort Worth Star-Telegram", there was a very significant article with numerous illustrations entitled "The Invisible Minority." UNT, along with other Metroplex universities and colleges, was featured in the article, including mention of UNT's ally program. Not one piece of hate mail was received at UNT as a result of the front-page article.

In addition, UNT hosted two national GLBT-related conferences on campus July 1999, and UNT did not received negative communication as a result of the conferences. There were nearly ten articles, many of which were front page or in the religion section of Metroplex newspapers. In addition there was TV and radio coverage, increased visibility on campus, etc. The article, "New Program Lends an Ear," which describes UNT’s ally program, was published in the "Denton Record-Chronicle," July 28, 1999.

8. Is sexual orientation a protected class under State Law?

At UNT we are sensitive to the fact that under State Law sexual orientation is not a protected class. It is important that we continue to promote UNT as an institution with "……a history of seeking to preserve an atmosphere of openness and tolerance. This university is committed to maintaining an unpretentious and accepting atmosphere welcoming to anyone who will strive to achieve his or her personal best." (1999-2000 Undergraduate Catalog, p. 7).

UNT supports the ally program with its major objective to help create a safe and healthy environment for all of our faculty, staff, students, and guests.

9. Are allies expected to "drop everything" and immediately meet with interested persons?

No. Allies need to make time available at a convenient date and time for both the ally and interested person. Allies must be accessible and willing to meet with persons in a timely manner.

Many allies may never have someone come into their office to talk about sexual orientation issues. Time spent with persons wanting to talk about sexual orientation issues is likely to be minimal. The interaction is similar to questions educators, counselors, and advisors typically receive from others on campus who are seeking information or want someone to talk with.

Similar to UNT’s newly formed Staff Council, the ally program will take minimal time from allies and still be a successful program. In addition, many of the educational updates for allies will be offered during lunch periods and evenings.
  1. Describe required training for the allies. Distinguish between "ally" activities and "counseling."

    2. Volunteers who wish to be designated allies are required to participate in the NCBI GLBT training program (Welcoming Diversity/Prejudice Reduction) and must participate annually in at least two ally information update sessions to remain in ally status.

    All allies must complete a training module which assists them in distinguishing between appropriate ally activities and "counseling." Allies are not "counselors" and must refer individuals to counseling when the situation warrants.

    It is specifically noted that it is appropriate to contact UNT’s professional counseling staff to discuss personal and social concerns including those relating to sexual orientation.
  2. Where will the trained allies display their plaque?

    3. Allies who have successfully completed appropriate training (e.g., NCBI) may display, in their office or work area, a plaque or a certificate of completion.
  3. How does UNT’s consensual relationship policy relate to trained allies and those seeking their assistance?

    4. Allies must not establish a consensual relationship with those seeking their assistance as noted by the Consensual Relationship Policy of the University. (Policy 1.3.23.)
  4. Are there additional faculty and staff on campus who are willing to discuss sexual orientation issues with interested persons?

Although the term ally is part of the vocabulary of the GLBT national movement, it may suggest, to some individuals, that only certain people are allies. At UNT we will be clear in our publications and in our actions that "allies" designates an individual who has received special training dealing with sexual orientation and has volunteered to talk with others who seek him/her out. The absence of the ally designation should NOT be interpreted as a deficiency or an unwillingness to discuss sexual orientation.