The University of Kentucky College of Arts and Sciences is entering the ninth year of its Passport to the World initiative, a yearlong exploration of the culture and history of different areas of the world and interdisciplinary topics. 2019-20 will serve as the Year of Equity, which seeks to spark meaningful dialogue on issues across race, gender, ability, sexuality, class, ethnicity, citizenship status and religion at UK, in Kentucky and around the globe.

"In observation of the 70th anniversary of UK’s desegregation, we wanted to organize a series of programs to both commemorate the history and look at current issues of equity," said Anastasia Curwood, director of UK African American and Africana Studies and co-chair of the program. "We deliberately chose the term 'equity' to make it clear that we are not just discussing diversity, or including everyone in our community. We also want to have a conversation about what is fair and equitable in our university, our nation, and globally."

The yearlong exploration will kick off from 1-3 p.m. today, Sept. 4, in the atrium of the Don & Cathy Jacobs Science Building with free food, T-shirts and giveaways.

Visit https://equity.as.uky.edu/ for a full list of events and to learn more about the Year of Equity, or download the calendar card on the right side of this page.

The University of Kentucky is increasingly the first choice for students, faculty and staff to pursue their passions and their professional goals. In the last two years, Forbes has named UK among the best employers for diversity and INSIGHT into Diversity recognized us as a Diversity Champion two years running. UK is ranked among the top 30 campuses in the nation for LGBTQ* inclusion and safety. The Chronicle of Higher Education judged us a “Great College to Work for,”  and UK is among only 22 universities in the country on Forbes' list of "America's Best Employers."  We are ranked among the top 10 percent of public institutions for research expenditures — a tangible symbol of our breadth and depth as a university focused on discovery that changes lives and communities. And our patients know and appreciate the fact that UK HealthCare has been named the state’s top hospital for three straight years. Accolades and honors are great. But they are more important for what they represent: the idea that creating a community of belonging and commitment to excellence is how we honor our mission to be not simply the University of Kentucky, but the University for Kentucky.