Military Recruitment Policy

The Northern Kentucky University Salmon P. Chase College of Law’s Career Development Office provides services on an equal access basis to all students and informs employers that their participation in our law school recruiting activities is conditioned on their compliance with our Non-Discrimination Policy. Our current policy is consistent with the mandates of the American Bar Association, our accrediting agency, and the two professional organizations in which the Chase College of Law holds membership, the Association of American Law Schools (AALS) and the National Association for Law Placement (NALP). Our policy provides:

It is the policy of Northern Kentucky University not to discriminate in its educational programs, admission policies, financial aid, or other school-administered programs on the basis of race, color, age, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, physical or mental disabilities, or status as a disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam Era. Further, upon request, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities to ensure their equal access to the programs and activities of the University. This policy complies with or exceeds state and federal guidelines and is enforced in the interest of educational excellence.

The United States Military Services prohibit unlawful discrimination in recruitment, promotion, and retention. However, federal law requires that the military services limit access based upon considerations of age, medical conditions or disability, and sexual orientation. These practices required by federal law are not consistent with our antidiscrimination policy.

Kentucky law (13 Ky. Rev. Stat. Sec. 164.352), however, requires that military recruiters have access to our school on the same basis as all other employers. In addition, federal law denies certain federal funds to an educational institution that does not permit military recruiting. Act of Sept. 30, 1996, Pub. L. No. 104-208, Sec. 514(b), 101 Stat. 3009, 3009-271 (to be codified at 10 U.S.C. Sec. 503 note). This law affects funds received not only from the Department of Defense, but also funds received from the Departments of Education, Labor, Health and Human Services, and other related agencies. These funds include some financial aid for law students.

Because of the impact of federal law, the AALS permits member schools to allow military recruiting on campus. Considering the position of the AALS, the impact of federal law, and the requirement of Kentucky law, the Chase College of Law permits the military services to participate in all law school recruiting activities, including on-campus recruiting, to the same extent as all other employers who comply fully with our University’s Non-Discrimination Policy.

The Chase College of Law of Northern Kentucky University remains committed to non-discrimination in employment. The AALS guidance on this matter encourages law schools to consider ways to ameliorate any adverse effect of allowing the military on campus and to provide all our students with a hospitable environment. Any comments or suggestions regarding this matter should be directed to Lisa Moore, Director of the Career Development Office at moorel1@nku.edu or 859-572-5354.