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The Kansas Human Rights Commission operates a full-time Public Information Program for the purpose of prevention and elimination of discriminatory activity in the State of Kansas. The Commission's Public Information Officer coordinates the program, and Commission attorneys, supervisors, and investigators provide assistance, at different times.

The program attempts to achieve its purpose through providing cost-free presentations to private and public sector employers, non-profit organizations, college level courses, and for high school students, at the recipients request.  In Fiscal Year 2007, the agency provided 279 hours of training for 7,423 participants.

Other key facets of the Public Information Program include the publication and distribution of booklets with the verbiage of the Kansas Act Against Discrimination (KAAD) and Kansas Age Discrimination in Employment Act (KADEA).  Furthermore, the Commission distributes individual posters, which outline the illegality of discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. Employment posters are available in Spanish. Other publications include the Commission's Annual Report and its newsletter, Spectrum.

Annual Employment Law Seminar

Another component of the Commission's Public Information Program is the annual Employment Law Seminar, which is held in Topeka.  The 2008 seminar is scheduled to take place on September 3, 2008. The seminar is largely focused on the legal community, human resource professionals, and business owners, but anyone can register to attend. Speakers for the event largely consist of experts in the field of anti-discrimination law who are invited by the Commission to give presentations. With the realization that other issues outside of the jurisdiction of the Commission are often related to its purpose, other agencies such as the U.S. Department of Labor and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission have given presentations at past seminars. The seminar usually consists of a keynote lecture and several "workshop" sessions that provide an overview of various aspects of discrimination (pregnancy or retaliation issues for example).

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Presentation Descriptions
 

Kansas Human Rights Commission Overview This presentation is often given in conjunction with other topics.  It focuses on the Kansas Act Against Discrimination (KAAD) and the role of the KHRC in eliminating and preventing discrimination within the state of Kansas.  An overview of the complaint process and statistics on the basis of complaints is provided. Back to top		"Diversity: Food For Thought"            This training session includes a            20 minute video followed by a power            point presentation that focuses on            understanding diversity in the work            place. Both the video and presentation            provide thought provoking ideas on            how individuals in areas of            employment and business can benefit            from gaining a better understanding of           diversity. .            Back to top
Fair Housing: Where and How to Get Help This presentation covers such information as the Fair Housing Act and other relevant housing law. This presentation can be tailored to landlords or tenant groups. Back to top		"The Diversity Advantage: Food For Thought" This presentation for an audience of supervisors, focuses on how supervisors can address issues of diversity in the workplace. This training session includes a 20 minute video followed by a power point presentation and is usually scheduled in conjunction with the "Diversity: Food For Thought" presentation. Back to top
Sexual Harassment This presentation is designed to promote a common understanding of what constitutes sexual harassment in the workplace, as well as ways to prevent it.  A variation of this presentation is also available that includes a video that deals with sexual harassment issues and scenarios. Back to top		Public Information Officer Contact Information Feel free to contact the Public Information Officer for more information on events or to schedule a presentation. All presentations can be tailored to the particular needs of the organization requesting the program. You can call the main office in Topeka at (785) 296-3206. Back to top