Title IX Office Name Changes to Office of Equal Opportunity and Outreach

We are pleased to announce that the Office of Title IX has been changed to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Outreach to better reflect the Office’s broad purpose and our proactive and holistic approach to issues related to equity. Our expanded focus on outreach and education builds upon the original goals of Title IX as a tool for compliance. While an extremely impactful and important part of the Civil Rights Act, “Title IX” is sometimes misunderstood and continues to carry unfortunate stigma. By changing to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Outreach, we hope to make the office more approachable for all community members.

The Office of Equal Opportunity and Outreach will serve as a resource for all staff, faculty, and students, and not be limited to investigating and addressing incidents of sexual harassment. It will provide a safe space for community members to discuss issues related to equity and civil rights. Additionally, Director Stan Horton and Assistant Director Ryan Duval will provide training, which can be customized for any particular group.

Stan will continue to be the Title IX Coordinator with all responsibilities related to the university’s compliance with the laws and policies related to discrimination on the basis of sex, gender, gender identity and expression, and sexual orientation. Stan will also serve as the Section 504/ADA Coordinator for employees. (Amy Curran continues to serve in this role for students.) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) both protect individuals with disabilities from discrimination for reasons related to their disabilities.

In addition, Stan and Ryan are both qualified to assume the role of Case Manager, as needed for anyone who believes they may have been discriminated against based on protected categories outlined in the non-discrimination policy found in WPI’s Benefits & Policies Manual.

The Office of Equal Opportunity and Outreach welcomes all feedback and will continue to work to foster an environment that is welcoming and safe for all community members.