ATIXA 2024 Annual Conference Event Lobby

Abstract: Sexual harassment and assault occur at alarming rates in the lives of K-12 students, both on and off campus. These incidents negatively impact students’ academic success, emotional well-being, and school communities. As a result, teachers and school staff are invested in reducing these occurrences and providing students with resources that support their overall welfare. At the same time, legislators in the U.S. Congress are working on resolutions to nullify the 2024 Title IX Regulations. Amid the chaos surrounding protecting students from sexual violence in K-12 and higher education settings, Title IX school staff play a critical role as the stewards of student safety and access. But did you know that they can also be a force for good change in the realm of school culture and climate?

This session will explore the ways in which school Title IX staff can collaborate with their school colleagues and external stakeholders to influence school policy and implementation of programs and practices to prevent sexual violence and improve school climate. As on-the-ground practitioners of school administration and litigation, Heidi and Karen will share their true stories and insights around how Title IX has/has not achieved goals of protecting student access to educational resources under circumstances of sexual violence in K-12 and higher education environments. They will review several real school initiatives that have effectively improved school climate and culture to reduce the prevalence of sexual violence and explain where school Title IX staff can influence these activities.

During the session, participants will gain insight into the collaborative process with school staff and external stakeholders and learn about the tools and resources available to facilitate this. Additionally, participants will be able to envision the steps needed to establish new initiatives in their communities to mitigate the negative impacts of harassment while promoting the positive learning environment that educators value in creating safe environments where students can learn and grow.

At the end of the session, participants will also learn about the Stop Sexual Assault in Schools resources and how to introduce them in their schools and communities. Participants will be able to empower students, staff, and administrators with the tools and skills needed for improved student safety, school climate, and positive culture change.

Abstract: The Title IX process presents unique challenges for respondents, but what do we really know about their experience? Navigating accusations and potentially being found responsible for harm can trigger a complex array of emotions for respondents, including fear, anger, guilt, shame, and confusion, all of which can impede their ability to engage intentionally and faithfully with the process.

This presentation addresses the critical need for Title IX administrators to partner with other campus and community stakeholders to develop and implement systems and strategies that not only attempt to hold respondents accountable for the harm that they’ve caused but also promote their personal growth, self-compassion, healing, and continued accountability. Additionally, this presentation will delve deeper into how using psychoeducation around restrictive masculinities and prosocial attitudes and behaviors can aid in the accountability process for a respondent where appropriate. Resources and strategies for navigating an exploration of masculinities will be covered.

Drawing from peer-reviewed literature on restorative justice, trauma-informed care, and men and masculinities, as well as case studies over the years from Dr. Saed D. Hill’s work with respondents, this session will explore various approaches to rapport building, discussing harm and accountability, and the importance of understanding the relationships between stress, crisis, and trauma in the context of a Title IX process while working with respondents and survivors/impacted parties alike.

The session will also reference Smith and Freyd’s (2014) work on institutional betrayal and its impact on individuals involved in campus processes, including respondents, to emphasize the need for more intentional and innovative approaches to working with all parties involved in a Title IX process. Lastly, this session will also outline practical strategies for one-on-one and group interventions designed to help individuals process their behavioral impact through discussions of gender norms, emotional intelligence, and power in hopes of contributing to the overall well-being of the campus and community at large.

Abstract: Today, students are spending more time online and on their devices than ever before, which has created new safety risks on campuses and within schools nationwide. As such, it has become increasingly important to understand the modern challenges they may face and how they should be addressed under the updated Title IX regulations. The good news is that we needn’t be tech experts to navigate these issues. In this interactive presentation, we will highlight practical and actionable steps to verify and address common and emerging forms of technology-facilitated harms. This includes a comprehensive exploration of familiar digital challenges, like nonconsensual tracking and unauthorized account access, alongside developing trends such as synthetic image abuse and AI-powered catfishing.

Abstract: Effective collaboration between Title IX offices and General Counsel is crucial, as it balances the expertise of Title IX Coordinators with Counsel’s legal guidance. This panel will explore the nuanced relationship between these two critical—and sometimes conflicting—institutional roles. Participants will learn strategies for effective communication and collaboration, understand each office’s distinct responsibilities and boundaries, and discover ways to handle conflicts and disagreements. Through real-world examples and scenarios, participants will gain practical guidance on fostering a culture of compliance and maintaining the integrity of Title IX processes.

Abstract: This session will discuss common cultural contributors to gender-based violence (e.g., violence against women, intimate partner violence, and violence against gender and sexual minorities), including hegemonic masculinity (e.g., expectations of toughness, anti-femininity, and status among men, as well as the failure to meet these expectations) and the normalization of violence (e.g., ignoring everyday acts of violence). These cultural contributors will be placed within the pyramid of hate created by the Antidefamation League, based on Allport’s scale of prejudice. These models highlight the ways in which more acceptable forms of bias (e.g., rigid binary gender expectations) create the foundation for bias-motivated violence (e.g., sexual assault, intimate partner violence, murder) and, therefore, are critical targets for the prevention of violence. Finally, specific evidence-based interventions to address these cultural contributors at the micro- (individual), meso (interpersonal), and macro (societal) levels will be explored.

Abstract: The 2020 and 2024 Title IX Regulations mandate that K-12 districts proactively safeguard the rights of pregnant and parenting students under Title IX. These protections include ensuring these students have equal access to activities and programs, a standard many schools have struggled to meet.

Recognizing this gap, the Indianapolis Public Schools’ Title IX Office launched the Stronger Tomorrows program. This initiative is dedicated to providing pregnant and parenting students with the necessary guidance, information, and support as required by law.

In its inaugural year, the program began tracking the number of pregnant students and graduation rates, identifying barriers to education, and compiling resources to assist them. Stronger Tomorrows aims to fulfill legal obligations and establish a robust support network for expectant and parenting students. This support fosters connections with school staff, community partners, and families.

Participants in the Stronger Tomorrows Program enjoy access to a range of benefits, such as secure childcare, financial aid for childcare expenses, affordable health insurance, nutritious food, donations of essential baby items, and parenting support groups. Additionally, the program educates schools about their legal responsibilities, informs students and families about their rights, and provides tailored support to each student as required.

Abstract: This session explores challenges related to sanctioning and early interventions for faculty or staff in academia who perpetrate sexual harassment, including those whose behaviors do not rise to the level of a violation of the institution’s policies or state or federal law. Most academic administrators are aware of termination as a sanctioning option for cases that involve sexual assault or coercion, or pervasive sexual harassment that occurs repeatedly over years. Still, many colleges and universities in the United States lack clear guidance on available sanctions. They are hindered in leveraging those sanctions by factors such as “academic star culture,” the power differentials perpetuated by academic hierarchal systems, and the strong due process protections provided by the tenure system and other faculty governance structures.

Additionally, higher education institutions have infrequently addressed harmful or problematic behavior at early stages before it becomes pervasive or severe enough to clearly violate policy, often because of a lack of processes and awareness about how this could be done effectively. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of what factors contribute to a challenging environment for leveraging and enforcing sanctions and how some institutions have taken steps to increase clarity and accountability at earlier stages.

Presenters draw from the work of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM)’s Action Collaborative on Preventing Sexual Harassment in Higher Education, as well as their experiences working in institutions of higher education to address these issues. This session is relevant for seasoned administrative and human resources staff with moderate Title IX experience and seasoned Title IX Coordinators.

Abstract: The core learning outcome of this presentation lies at the intersection of two facts: queer students are more likely than their cisgender and heterosexual [cishet] peers to experience gender-based discrimination and violence, and also that they are also less likely to go to their universities and utilize the federally mandated support and services they are owed. This gap between need and utilization has long frustrated those engaged in advocacy and support. While it has been the subject of much conjecture, the question remains: “Why are Queer and Trans* communities less likely to seek support, and what can be done to address this?” This session seeks to answer this question using the very voices of those affected, in their own words.

Neil E. Golemo, Ph.D., is an experienced college administrator, former Title IX Investigator, and author of the recent study “Listen to the Canary’s Song,” where Queer/non-cishet student survivors of sexual violence in college shared why they chose not to go to their institution’s Title IX services for support. Maya Satya Reddy is a queer South Asian former professional golfer, LGBTQ+ sports law and policy expert, founder of the Queer Asian Social Club, and graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School. Together, they will share insight about the barriers experienced by queer and transgender student populations and what institutions can do to help.

Abstract: This session will explore the need for institutions to implement anti-retaliation measures to protect those who report sexual harassment, particularly bystanders who have been trained to intervene when witnessing sexual harassment. The session will begin by reviewing bystander intervention training approaches designed for complex work environments within higher education. It will consider how to apply the principles of bystander intervention to the experiences and environments of faculty, staff, and graduate students. Next, the session will examine how legal protections such as Title IX can fall short when various types of retaliatory actions occur in academia (such as retaliation against bystanders who intervene). It will explore how institutions can creatively address retaliation with broader policies that expand on institutions’ current anti-retaliation practices. Attendees will leave the session with resources and a greater understanding of how to implement bystander intervention trainings for often-overlooked populations and a deeper understanding of ways to refine institutional policies and prevent retaliation.

Abstract: Nobody wants to hear from OCR, but when you do, it’s important to have lawyers who understand how OCR approaches complaints and what can happen next. Learn tips and tricks from three former OCR Civil Rights Attorneys who collectively have investigated over 500 complaints against K-12 schools and public and private universities. They will walk you through OCR’s process, from complaint evaluation and mediation to investigation, resolution, and monitoring. Presenters will also review OCR’s 2024 Title IX Regulations, guidance, and strategies for staying off OCR’s radar.

Abstract: The summer of 2024 was challenging for everyone in Title IX, and K-12 school districts were no exception. K-12 Title IX leaders are accustomed to navigating a patchwork of federal and state laws—and doing so in an often highly-charged political environment—but the 2024 injunctions created new conflicts and challenges to navigate, often with inopportune timing. Kim Pacelli, Partner at TNG and Member of the ATIXA Advisory Board, who herself serves as an elected member of her local school board, will lead a panel discussion of K-12 leaders about their 2024 experiences, lessons learned, and the path forward for K-12 schools committed to inclusive learning and education environments.

Abstract: This session presents the findings of a qualitative dissertation study that examined federal court cases between 2000 and 2022. The study explored how changes in Title IX guidance under President George W. Bush, President Barack Obama, and President Donald Trump impacted institutional liability lawsuits in higher education. Specifically, it focused on the effectiveness of each administration’s guidance on reducing institutional liability and which Title IX requirements institutions were held liable for violating. Based on the study’s findings, this session will also share recommended practices for higher education institutions.

Abstract: This session will unveil the top five strategies for crafting engaging and effective Title IX training programs. These strategies are designed to move beyond traditional compliance-focused methods, encouraging attendees to think creatively about connecting with diverse learners. By incorporating storytelling, humor, and real-life examples, these strategies aim to foster a deeper understanding and lasting cultural change within educational institutions. Participants can expect a lively, interactive session that moves beyond theory, providing practical, actionable strategies they can implement immediately.

Abstract: The University of New Mexico School of Medicine established the Learning Environment Office (LEO) in 2019 to track, address, and prevent learner mistreatment. Drawing on disciplines such as civil rights, academic medicine, DEIB, Title IX, and professional well-being, it represented an innovative partnership to address mistreatment comprehensively. The Title IX and LEO teams developed collaborative protocols for managing shared cases, implementing supportive measures, sharing data for prevention, and coordinating training and education resources. This interactive presentation invites institutional partners and change-makers to explore an intersectional approach to improving health sciences and medical education learning and working environments. Participants will engage with UNM’s LEO model and work through case studies to understand the complexities and benefits of this unique collaboration.

Abstract: Restorative justice is one way that many campuses are offering “informal resolutions” for campus sexual misconduct. Williamsen and Wessel—higher education administrators and recent editors of the 2023 Routledge publication “Applying Restorative Justice to Campus Sexual Misconduct: A Guide to Emerging Practices”—will share an introduction to the basic philosophy and practices of restorative justice as applied to sexual and gender-based misconduct. They will also offer insights and lessons from early adopters, including tips for implementation.

Abstract: In 2024, both the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) released compliance requirements that educational institutions must follow to ensure their educational and employment environments are free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. The recent regulatory changes to Title IX and Title VII have heightened the need for comprehensive, intersectional approaches to investigations, ensuring both compliance and fairness. This presentation, “Navigating Investigation Compliance with Title IX and Title VII,” aims to equip professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary to address the complexities of these overlapping legal frameworks effectively.

Participants will explore the challenges investigators face when navigating these dual regulatory landscapes, including understanding complex regulatory changes, integrating policies, balancing confidentiality with transparency, ensuring fairness and due process, and addressing intersectional discrimination. The presentation will offer practical strategies for overcoming these obstacles through detailed solutions, such as providing ongoing training, suggesting integrated policies, implementing strong anti-retaliation measures, and maintaining investigator impartiality.

Abstract: This session explores novel hiring practices that gather information related to a job candidate’s prior history of sexual harassment and/or misconduct, in an effort to protect hiring institutions from unwittingly facilitating the movement of faculty or staff from one academic institution to another without disclosing that they are currently under active investigation or were already found responsible for sexual harassment at their previous institution. This practice is known as “passing the harasser” and is exacerbated by a general lack of transparency about findings of sexual harassment in higher education. This session will explore how increased transparency between institutions and throughout the hiring process can better combat this phenomenon. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of why passing the harasser occurs and how some institutions have taken action to address it.

Presenters draw from the courts, the news, state legislation, their experiences working with institutions of higher education to address these issues, and the work of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM)’s Action Collaborative on Preventing Sexual Harassment in Higher Education. This session is relevant for seasoned administrative and human resources staff with moderate Title IX experience and seasoned Title IX Coordinators.

Abstract: This Featured Session will explore critical court decisions across the country that influence and shape the Title IX landscape. Every week, federal and state courts deliver holdings that augment or restrict Title IX rights, as well as clarify longstanding questions or create new ones. Ever evolving, it can be challenging to keep up.

In this session, attendees will learn about emerging areas of liability for K-12 districts, colleges, and universities and discuss important takeaways to protect your institution. The presenters will navigate attendees through thorny and complex legal opinions, offering expert insight into the courts’ decisions and the ramifications for the field and your district or institution. Don’t miss this opportunity to dive deeper into the toughest questions at the forefront of Title IX practice!

Abstract: This presentation will address alternate routes to formal Title IX and Justice Department Office of Enforcement Operations (OEO) investigations that can be explored through informal University systems, including bias assessment and student consultation teams. These alternative processes can involve high-ranking officials at varying levels within different departments at the University. These committee members consult regarding behavioral trends reported on campus and patterns of risk and concerning conduct. They discuss policy and possible structural changes resulting from bias reports. The discussion will guide administrators across campus around monitoring bias concerns within the student population that may not reach the level of a policy violation. A structured approach to bias report response will be discussed, centered on support, education, and assessment for climate tracking.

Abstract: Working in the often-exhausting world of Title IX compliance takes dedication and special skills. As of 2019, two-thirds of the individuals working in Title IX were new to their role, and many were required to serve in other campus roles outside of Title IX. So, where and how should a new Title IX Coordinator start? This session looks at trends related to Title IX matriculation and what to do in your first 90 days as a Title IX Coordinator. It will examine what Wofford College’s new Title IX Coordinator and Deputy Title IX Coordinator did in their first 90 days and how their experiences can help inform others.

Abstract: The 2024 Title IX Regulations state that sex discrimination encompasses sexual orientation and gender identity, so schools must now ensure that these allegations are handled in compliance with the requirements of the new regulations. However, addressing alleged discrimination against LGBTQ+ students and employees sensitively and competently goes beyond regulatory requirements. In this interactive session, the presenters will draw upon their experiences as Title IX investigators, Coordinators, and decision-makers to explore best practices for responding to reports of sex discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. This session will discuss policy requirements, conducting compassionate intake meetings and investigative interviews, issues unique to the LGBTQ+ community, standards for evaluating allegations of LGBTQ+ discrimination, ensuring due process for respondents, and gaining comfort with considering sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination under the Title IX umbrella.

Abstract: Men, those who have caused harm, and survivors must all be part of the process to create solutions that will end violence against all women, girls, and those further marginalized at the intersections of race, class, and gender. As Title IX professionals who seek to end sexual and domestic violence, how will the future of our work require us to engage boys and men? This session is a critical conversation that asks attendees to consider how we can nurture hope and healing for all people while expanding our vision for the future of violence prevention. This intersectional discussion will explore the complexity of the collective socialization of boys and men while centering the question, “How do we ensure our collective liberation?”

Abstract: This session will use real-life examples in an engaging format to discuss the intersections between Title IX and HR, special education, student conduct, safety and security, and athletics. Topics covered will include understanding the alphabet soup of CBAs and MDRs, using deputy coordinators effectively, harmonizing Title IX and student conduct laws and policies, and more. Participants will leave with the knowledge necessary to bridge the gaps between the Title IX department and others to help their schools remain compliant.

Abstract: Behavioral Intervention Teams (BITs) and Title IX Teams have distinct roles in managing risk and responding to behavior-related concerns; however, given the overlap and intersection of cases between the two teams, administrators need to be prepared to collaborate and communicate to fulfill their compliance obligations and best meet the needs of the individuals involved and the broader community. This presentation will discuss the overlap of BIT and Title IX and provide strategies for ensuring effective communication and collaboration. Additionally, the presentation will explore the role of Title IX on the BIT, jurisdictional requirements that govern an institution’s response to Title IX incidents, processes for addressing problematic behaviors that do not fall within Title IX jurisdiction, and ways that BITs can partner with Title IX offices in addressing concerning behaviors.

Abstract: When a student or employee experiences violence, deciding whether to report it and who to tell can be a difficult decision. For many, knowing what will happen with information once it’s reported informs whether they’re willing to share. To make an informed decision, they need to understand who has reporting responsibilities—under the Clery Act, Title IX, or other state or policy requirements—and what confidential resources are available. In a landscape where roles that are confidential under Title IX may still have reporting responsibilities under the Clery Act, it’s critical for institutions to intentionally describe the nuances of reporting responsibilities when crafting policies, educational sessions, and campaigns. As a result of this session, participants will be able to identify Clery Act and Title IX reporting responsibilities, recognize intersections between and potential confusion regarding confidential roles under each law, and learn strategies for clearly communicating reporting, response, and information-sharing expectations on campus.

Abstract: Since the Dear Colleague Letter in 2011, Title IX has transformed from an ancillary duty to a specialized field requiring expertise in compliance, legal matters, and investigations. Title IX professionals now juggle public safety, individual welfare, institutional values, and risk management, often with limited resources and outdated models. This presentation aims to equip Title IX Administrators with strategies to excel as higher education leaders. Attendees will learn to build effective teams, leverage data and institutional knowledge, and advocate for necessary resources. The session will provide actionable insights on staffing, compensation, and communicating priorities to executive leadership, ensuring participants leave with practical tools for effective leadership in the dynamic landscape of higher education.

Abstract: In this session, ATIXA Advisory Board Members will highlight foundational tips and tools for Title IX compliance beyond the policy/procedures/response process, regardless of whether you’re working under 2020 or 2024 Regulations. This panel of practitioners, experienced in setting up and rebuilding approaches to campus Title IX, will provide an interactive session highlighting tips for setting the Title IX team up for success, exploring staffing models, and navigating campus and community contexts. They’ll also share examples of tools used to support compliance efforts, as well as resources for building knowledge, skills, and abilities. Content is geared toward post-secondary, though K-12 practitioners may glean transferable information.

Abstract: Restorative practices are powerful Title IX tools to enhance any practitioner’s toolbelt. Presenters will discuss the fundamental concepts of restorative practices, reflect on their impact, and discuss how best to apply them. Restorative practices should be both proactive and reactive—and it may surprise you to learn which is more important! For those in K-12, you will learn how to conduct a restorative justice conference. For those in higher education, the session will discuss different types of informal resolution, including facilitated dialogues, restorative circles, and negotiated agreements. Attendees will learn the tools to confidently offer restorative practices within Title IX at your school.

Abstract: Small colleges and universities face distinct challenges in implementing Title IX effectively due to their limited resources and unique campus cultures. This presentation explores best practices for Title IX adjudication and administration, emphasizing a proactive and preventative approach that integrates various aspects of federal laws and institutional policies and collaboration between in-house counsel and Title IX teams and outside counsel. By taking a proactive approach to sexual discrimination and sexual misconduct on campus, small colleges and universities can keep their communities safe and mitigate barriers to reporting while building cultural competence that is sometimes lacking at smaller, under-resourced schools.

Abstract: Post-COVID, K-12 institutions have seen an unprecedented increase in unwanted behaviors from students, particularly sexual behaviors. This sexual harassment is occurring and recurring in younger and younger students. Formal investigations and disciplinary standards do not work to appropriately address this behavior and rarely prevent its recurrence in schools, resulting in further harm to other children. Albuquerque Public Schools will discuss their educational and informal approach to harassment in elementary schools, wherein 74% of students receiving this approach did not engage in further sexual harassment or other discrimination.