Wanted: Cat Herder

Does this mean it's time to start up the list of dean searches for the 2009-2010 academic year already?

For all potential cat-herders, this YouTube video is, of course, required viewing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SmgLtg1Izw.

Last link didn't work. Trying again: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SmgLtg1Izw.

I give up. Just go to YouTube, search for "EDS Cat-Herding Commercial," and enjoy.

Interesting that the nondiscrimination statement does not include sexual orientation. Although I am straight, I would never apply to a position at an institution that still — in this day and age — reserves for itself the right to discriminate against gay people. And a law school no less.

The university will have to change its nondiscrimination policy to include sexual orientation, if the law school plans to be accredited by the ABA under Standard 211(b).

The leadership at UNT is very strong, and this will be a good opportunity for someone.

UNT appears to have a Diversity Policy that prohibits harassment based on sexual orientation. At least in one place, their nondiscrimination policy appears to include sexual orientation as a subset of prohibited harassment based on sex.

Here's a link to the policy:
http://www.unt.edu/administration/Policies/1_3_7.pdf

Here's another document (I'm unclear on who prepared it) which states:

"In 2000/2001 it is anticipated that during the next few years, representatives of
appropriate offices will pursue clarification of UNT’s non-discrimination policy to
include sexual orientation with the other protected classes across campus."

The link: http://www.unt.edu/ally/ally_program_history.pdf

UNT's Office of Equal Opportunity says "The University of North Texas prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, disabled veteran status, Veterans of the Vietnam Era status, and sexual orientation in its educational programs, activities, admission, and employment practices."

http://edo.unt.edu/content/office-equal-opportunity-eo

Another UNT job posting uses a fuller description of their policy:

"AA/ADA/EOE Diversity is the key to excellence at UNT.

It is the policy of the University of North Texas not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability (where reasonable accommodations may be made), disabled veteran status or veteran of the Vietnam era status in its educational programs, activities, admissions or employment policies.

In addition to complying with 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."

http://finearts.academickeys.com/seeker_job_display.php?dothis=display&job%5BIDX%5D=20093

Interesting distinctions made by the policy. I wonder how much is intentional and how much is historical. Perhaps it was easier and quicker to add something extra than amend the older portion. Treating sexual orientation differently seems to raise questions though.