Pitt administrators and a panel of experts discussed new Title IX regulations and their effect on the University at the Thursday afternoon panel “Unpacking the New Title IX Regulations.”
Pitt’s Title IX office has implemented controversial new federal Title IX regulations — meeting the federal government’s Aug. 14 deadline — despite strong opposition from some University officials. Carrie Benson said she has many concerns about the new rules, but her office will comply with them.
After the federal education department first proposed the new rule at the end of 2018, Chancellor Patrick Gallagher voiced concerns in February 2019 about the requirements for hearings and cross-examination.
The University awarded funding in mid-January for seven “innovative solutions” to prevent sexual misconduct on campus, several months after Chancellor Patrick Gallagher called the University’s current approach to preventing sexual misconduct “insufficient”.
Pitt Chancellor Patrick Gallagher announced in a Thursday press release and at the Thursday afternoon Senate Council meeting that the University is expanding its community-driven response to prevent sexual misconduct.
Pam Connelly — Pitt’s vice chancellor for diversity and inclusion and leader of the Office of Diversity of Inclusion — will step down in early January.
Title IX coordinator Katie Pope discussed the results of the Association of American Universities Pitt campus climate survey during a town hall on Thursday, fielding questions from an audience of about 30 people about her office’s mission.
Pitt announced Wednesday that it is making up to $250,000 available for faculty and staff to support “innovative solutions” for preventing sexual misconduct on campus.
