The Law & Education Institutional Compliance Solutions/Courtney Bullard - Title IX Attorney

On April 19th, the new Title IX Regulations were released by the Department of Education with an implementation deadline of August 1st. There is a lot of information in circulation which can be overwhelmingly stressful for those with boots on the ground. Tune in to this episode for advice on how to leverage the offerings, resources, and support available from ICS and others. Touching on the role of subject matter experts, we discuss how to approach the more nuanced areas of these regulations, policy support offered by ICS, and more. Don’t miss this informative episode!
 
Key Points From This Episode:
The topic of this episode: the new Title IX Regulations released by the Department of Education. Acknowledging the stress that the new regulations add to those who are boots on the ground. A reminder that there are many offerings, resources, and support out there.  Advice for those navigating information around the recent regulations: allow the subject matter experts to take the lead. How to approach the nuanced areas of these regulations. Policy support that ICS is offering. What is included in the new 2024 trainings offered by ICS in response to the regulations to assist with effective implementation.  Advice to prevent the overwhelm.  
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
ICS Lawyer
Higher Ed Community Access
K-12 Community Access
Higher Ed Virtual Certified IX Training
K-12 Virtual Certified Title IX Training
ICS Blog
Courtney Bullard on X 
Learn about Becoming a Community Partner

In the last episode of 2023, we share a few ICS developments and updates, followed by some legal developments and updates in the Title IX world. Tuning in, you’ll hear key takeaways from the recent ICS retreat, reflections from changes that occurred in 2023, and updates to expect as we look ahead to the new year. Learn what to expect as we offer an overview of training and regulatory action in the new year, including many training opportunities not to be missed. Don’t miss this power-packed episode! 
 
Key Points From This Episode: ICS developments and updates in 2023.  Reflections from the recent ICS team retreat.  Upcoming revisions of the ICS mission, values, and goal statement in January 2024.  Content included in ICS’s latest note from Courtney: a time for reflection and a note of gratitude. Reflecting on the first two ICS community partners.  Spring training opportunities including the Sixth Annual Year End Review. Live and in-person training to expect going forward.  The updated release date for the new Title IX regulations. What else was included in the updated legislative agenda for Fall of 2023.  Who will be impacted by the updates to 504.  Increased attention to the rise of antisemitism and islamophobia.  The ICS Blog on the Department of Education’s recent release of a Dear Colleague Letter on Title VI.  A big Title IX decision from the sixth circuit that has come down in the midst of recent activity.  A reminder to grab your spot in the year-end review.  Looking ahead to an action-packed training schedule for 2024.   
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Department of Education Reminds Schools of Their Obligations Under Title VI
Tennessee Technical College
Serenbe
University of the South
ICS Lawyer
Higher Ed Community Partner
K12 Community Partner
Higher Ed Virtual Certified IX Training
K-12 Virtual Certified Title IX Training
ICS Blog
Courtney Bullard on X 
Learn about Becoming a Community Partner

It's October 2023 and the long-awaited Title IX regulations remain a topic of anticipation and speculation. Back in May of 2023, the Department of Education and Office for Civil Rights projected that we'd see these new regulations this month. However, it seems highly unlikely that this timeline will be upheld. So where are we now? And when can we expect to see new Title IX regulations released? In today’s episode, we look back at what has happened thus far and where we might be going with these regulations. We get into the public comment period initiated by the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the thousands of comments the Office for Civil Rights is tasked with responding to, and the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) review that is yet to be completed. Today’s episode also covers when we predict the new regulations will be released along with recommendations on what to do in the interim as you continue your compliance efforts. To hear all the latest on this topic and what to expect in the future, be sure to tune in!
 
Key Points From This Episode:
Some updates on what has been happening at ICS.
A quick rundown of our virtual and in-person training options.
The new Title IX regulations that were set to be released in October of 2023.
Assessing where we are now, in October 2023, and why we do not foresee the release of new Title IX regulations by the end of the month.
How the Department of Education is empowered to draft and release regulations.
A reminder of the draft rules, published in July of 2022, that amend the 2020 regulations.
The 2020 Title IX regulations that we have been under for the past four academic years.
An overview of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) and how that initiated a public comment period under the Administrative Procedures Act (APA).
How the Office for Civil Rights is tasked with responding to all comments submitted. 
The final regulation that gets released and how it can be modified by public comments.
Why we don’t expect either of the two announced regulations to be released this month: the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) review that is yet to be done.
An overview of what the OIRA review entails.
Our prediction for when new regulations could be implemented in 2024.
Recommendations on how to continue compliance efforts in the interim.
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Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Michaela Bland on LinkedIn
'Consider an Interim Title IX Coordinator for a Cost-Effective Solution'
ICS Contact Us Form
ICS Lawyer
ICS Blog
Higher Ed Community Access
K-12 Community Access
Higher Ed Virtual Certified IX Training
K-12 Virtual Certified Title IX Training
Courtney Bullard on X
Courtney Bullard Email

Betsy Smith, Director of Title IX Services at ICS, takes the role as host this episode and interviews Jared Smith -  former K12 administrator, ICS Client Relationship Specialist and her husband. Tuning in, you’ll hear about Jared’s experience in education leading up to his current role, and how he brings everything he learned there to his work. From his early perceptions of what Title IX encompasses to his view on effective discipline and more, Jared shares his practically informed perspective on Title IX compliance for K12. This conversation also serves as a word of encouragement for anyone working in the field and feeling alone. Alienation is common to the experience of those holding Title IX roles, and support is available despite the siloed nature of the job. Tune in for practical advice and powerful insights sure to improve your day-to-day compliance efforts. Thanks for listening to this unmissable episode!
 
Key Points From This Episode:
Exciting changes with the Law & Education Podcast. Introducing Betsy Smith, Director of Title IX Services, who plays host to her husband, ICS employee Jared Smith. Jared’s role as a Client Relationship Specialist at ICS. What Jared considers the most rewarding thing about his experience in K-12. The hardest part of the role he used to occupy. His strategy for dealing with difficult parents. Jared’s role on the ground as an administrator in the Title IX space. Jared’s early perception that Title IX is only about athletics. A word of encouragement to those feeling alone in their Title IX work. Why having flow charts and steps set out was so helpful to Jared in implementing Title IX in a complex matter. What it was like to occupy a disciplinary role while providing Title IX Support. Building personal relationships with school kids. The importance of creating trust: having their best interests in mind. Why it’s easy to feel siloed within this work. An incentive for positive engagement using a fire alarm.  
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Betsy Smith on LinkedIn
ICS Lawyer
Higher Ed Community Access
K-12 Community Access
Higher Ed Virtual Certified IX Training
K-12 Virtual Certified Title IX Training
ICS Blog
Courtney Bullard on Twitter
Courtney Bullard Email

Title IX prohibits sex-based discrimination in any educational institution and can be quite a tricky topic in faith-based schools. Today’s episode shares a recent webinar on this topic. In this webinar Brittany Gates, Title IX and Equity Specialist at ICS, shares her experience as a Title IX Coordinator at a faith-based school, exactly what Title IX is, how to claim a religious exemption under Title IX, and why defined religious values are imperative in these instances. We also discuss code of conduct behaviors in these types of schools, how a safe and healthy culture can be built, why Title IX discipline and school discipline are separate matters, and so much more. We even delve into sexual harassment reporting barriers and how to remove them before Brittany tells us how amnesty policies can assist in that, how to create effective prevention programming in faith-based schools, and why communication is key. Finally, we discuss the importance of having a good mindset, taking charge of what you can control, and being kind and supportive in these situations. You don’t want to miss out, so tune in now! 
 
Key Points From This Episode:
Introducing the hosts of today’s webinar, Brittany Gates and Betsy Smith. 
A brief overview of Brittany’s background in faith-based schools. 
What Title IX is and who is exempt from certain aspects of it. 
The ways a school can demonstrate that they are controlled by a religious organization. 
How to be assured that your exemption applies. 
The importance of knowing the religious values that guide faith-based schools. 
How inconsistent code of conduct behaviors could overlap with Title IX. 
How to build a safe and healthy culture to respond to Title IX matters in faith-based schools. 
Why the school’s discipline process cannot be used outside of Title IX.
Sexual harassment reporting barriers in faith-based schools and how to remove them.
How to optimize amnesty policies so they can assist in removing reporting barriers. 
The importance of open communication and how to demystify it in faith-based schools. 
How to have healthy conversations on the topic of sex and sexuality.
What building a healthy culture in faith-based campuses looks like. 
Areas to consider for effective prevention programming: consent, bystander intervention, and being open about your policy.
The importance of having a good mindset and not getting boxed-in, in the rules.
The things you can be responsible for outside the realm of the schools’ rules. 
Why you have to be kind, clear, and offer support.
Why you should consider employee amnesty in faith-based schools. 
 
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Brittany Gates on LinkedIn
Betsy Smith on LinkedIn
Betsy Smith Email
Partner with us
ICS Lawyer
Higher Ed Community Access
K-12 Community Access
Higher Ed Virtual Certified IX Training
K-12 Virtual Certified Title IX Training
ICS Blog
Courtney Bullard on Twitter 
Courtney Bullard Email

As you are probably aware, the Department of Education has decided to delay the release of the amended Title IX regulations, originally planned for May, to October 2023. In this episode, we highlight some important things we need to be aware of in light of this news. We discuss the implications of this postponement; particularly as it aligns with the start of a new academic year and the urgency for compliance given that four years will have passed under the 2020 regulations. We emphasize the necessity of maintaining compliance efforts through training and support and we highlight some courses provided by ICS. We also talk about the importance of updating policies and procedures before providing suggestions for helpful resources and webinars. Tune in today to find out what you should be focusing on during this wait.
 
Key Points From This Episode:
The topic of this podcast: what we should be doing while waiting for the postponed Title IX regulations. ICS is hiring: Title IX and Equity Specialist.  Some of the conferences that ICS will be attending in the summer. The importance of taking a break. Insight into the postponement of the updated Title IX regulations originally scheduled for May.  The fact that the updated regulations will now be released in a new academic year and how this relates to the slated time frame for their implementation. How the upcoming academic school year marks four years under the 2020 regulations and the urgency for compliance.  Why you need to be continuing your compliance efforts with training and support. Some of the courses that ICS offers. Why you should update your policies and procedures. Suggested resources and webinars and what you can look forward to from the podcast.  
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Title IX and Equity Specialist job posting 
NACUA Annual Conference
ICS Events 
ICS Lawyer
Higher Ed Community Access
K-12 Community Access
Higher Ed Virtual Certified IX Training
K-12 Virtual Certified Title IX Training
ICS Blog
Courtney Bullard on Twitter 
Courtney Bullard Email