Knox College
PA-7: Support for Underrepresented Groups

Notice of Non-Discrimination:

In keeping with its commitment to equal rights since it was founded in 1837, Knox College particularly welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups. Knox College does not discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, religion or religious affiliation, sexual orientation or preference, age, marital or family status, disability, veteran status, or other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law in admission, financial aid, employment, athletics, or any other aspect of its educational programs or activities. In addition, Knox College is prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and its accompanying regulations from so discriminating on the basis of
sex.

https://www.knox.edu/offices/human-resources

Consistent with Knox College’s historical commitment to inclusivity, the College today aims to create a campus that is welcoming for all students, staff, and faculty and a climate that is safe, respectful, and free from all forms of bias. Discrimination, harassment, and bias incidents, however, often fall beyond the scope and protection of existing discrimination laws and regulations. Therefore, it is imperative that we respond as a unified educational community to address such behavior while respecting the rights of all individuals to freedom of speech and expression. It is Knox College’s position that acts of discrimination, harassment, and bias require a response that asks all members of our community to uphold our shared values of goodwill and acceptance.

A team of College officials serves as the Bias Incident Response Team, responsible for coordinating any alleged or suspected violations of bias and the resolution of such alleged bias or suspected violations. The Bias Incident Response Team is composed of: Associate Dean of the College, Dean of Students, Director of Campus Safety, Director of Human Resources, and Title IX Coordinator.

Depending on the nature of the alleged incident and whether the parties involved are faculty, staff, students, contractors, visitors or guests, the specific individuals responsible for addressing and resolving the incident may vary. In all cases, the procedures will include the basic elements outlined below:
• Initial assessment by the Bias Response Team
• Interim measures and remedies where appropriate
• Consideration of voluntary resolution, where appropriate
• Investigation and resolution if voluntary resolution is not appropriate
• Sanctioning by the appropriate College official
• Resource to the appropriate appeal process
• Protection from retaliation

Students - One example is the Gale Scholar program, which is a collaborative partnership between Knox, the local school district, (Galesburg District 205) and the area community college (Carl Sandburg College), created to encourage and support higher education aspirations and success in the target population of academically promising first-generation and income eligible youth within District 205.

Faculty - Through the Associated Colleges of the Midwest (ACM), Knox participates in activities aimed at recruiting faculty from underrepresented groups. In addition Knox has sent faculty who are doing searches to hiring and diversity workshops.

Staff - job postings are posted at sites that cater to underrepresented groups.

Programs and resources supporting underrepresented students include:
• Student organizations and groups
• Cultural centers or houses, which celebrate diversity and create healthy meeting places: ABLE Center for Black Culture; Casa Latina Culture Center; Asian Culture House; Harambee House; International House; Queer & Allies (Q&A) House; Gender and Sexuality Center; and Human Rights Center.
• The Center for Intercultural Life (CIL) contributes to the College's goal of creating an inclusive campus community by acknowledging and celebrating the diverse experience of our students, faculty and staff.
• The International Student Support Office is responsible for the recruitment, transition and retention of our international student population.
• The TRIO Achievement Program supports the retention and graduation of students from modest income backgrounds and those whose parents do not have a four-year college degree.
• The SPARK program, a support program to TRIO, is a 10 day bridge program immediately preceding the start of fall classes and serves a particular group of eligible first-year students, giving them an in-depth preview of how a liberal arts college "works".
• LGBTQ+ Advisor serves as designated campus LGBTQ+ advisor; developing and implementing programming related to the overall success, appreciation and inclusion of LGBTQ+ students at Knox

Knox participates in the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program is designed to prepare underrepresented undergraduate students for the rigors of doctoral studies through involvement in research experiences and other scholarly activities. The Knox College McNair Scholars Program mission is to increase the number of Knox College’s low-income and first-generation students and students from underrepresented groups who successfully attain PhD degrees.

Knox also participates in the Associated Colleges of the Midwest (ACM) Graduate School Exploration Fellowships (GSEF) program. The GSEF is designed for students interested in pursuing study and research in the humanities, humanistic social sciences, and arts. The GSEF program is one of three main components of the Undergraduate and Faculty Fellows Program for a Diverse Professoriate which supports the program's broad goal of expanding participation by underrepresented groups in the career pipeline from college student to liberal arts college professor.