The Law & Education

Compliance work is uniquely heavy by nature, and burnout is inevitable without sustainable practices. Every compliance team can have balance by creating a better rhythm. In this episode of The Law and Education Podcast, we are discussing some lessons we learned from the recent ICS retreat. Tuning in, you'll hear all about the importance of finding a good rhythm for your compliance team, the power of restoration, real work, and fun, and why all three need to exist within a team, and so much more! We delve into what causes burnout before discussing the importance of sustainable compliance practices. Our host even breaks down three simple 'retreat' ideas that are cost-effective and short, and will have the same impact as our retreat did. Finally, you'll be challenged to find one thing to implement for your team that can create more balance. Thanks for listening! Key Points From This Episode: Today's topic: a recap of the recent ICS retreat. The importance of finding balance within compliance teams. Why your compliance team needs rhythm. Three elements of a successful retreat: restoration, real work, and fun. Why restoration is protective for compliance workers. How doing hard, structural work reduces the weight of burnout. The power of fun as a tool for building trust within teams. Why burnout isn't always about workload and what sustainable compliance is. A breakdown of simple, budget-friendly, and short 'retreat' ideas. 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

This year has been unlike any other in the compliance world. Across every school district and institution that we support, we have seen the same pattern emerge: expectations rising and responsibilities expanding, and the compliance landscape shifting faster than ever before under this new administration. At ICS, we've tried to offer some real clarity and practical pathways forward to help you stay ahead over the course of the year. During this episode, we unpack the newly released Title IX Student Bystander Training. The goal of this training is to equip students with real skills and to help schools build safer communities from the ground up. Joining us to discuss this topic is Betsy Smith, our Chief Innovation Officer, who led the development of this training. She walks us through what the training covers, why it matters, how to implement the training on the ground, and how schools can bring it to life at their district or school. We're always looking for change in small and big ways, and we are so grateful to be a part of this training. Tune in to hear more. Key Points From This Episode: Looking back at the compliance world in 2025. How ICS has worked to meet the needs that have emerged in the past year. The new community partner benefit that ICS has launched. What the new Title IX Student Bystander Training for K-12 entails. What Chief Innovation Officer Betsy Smith has been focused on this year. Background on our new Title IX Student Bystander Training and why it is specifically for K-12 students. Challenges schools are currently facing that warrant the need for such a training. What is most important about this training. Content design and an overview of the training. Why a choice was made to approach this as bystander training. The role of the facilitator guide. How the work of Title IX Coordinators makes an impact, even if they can't see it. What the broader goal of this training is: culture change through intervention. Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: ICS on YouTubeBetsy Smith on LinkedIn ICS Title IX Student Bystander Training Watch the Replay – World Premiere! ICS K-12 Title IX Student Bystander Training 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

Artificial intelligence is transforming education, and compliance is no exception. In this episode, we discuss how AI is influencing Title IX and Title VI work, from investigations and training to how students search for information about their rights. We begin with a look behind the scenes at ICS, including updates on community partner renewals, new training opportunities, and upcoming Title VI Coordinator courses. From there, we explore three key questions: How is AI changing where students and staff find compliance resources? Can AI tools safely support Coordinators and investigators in their daily work? And how might parties or advisors use AI in Title IX cases? Throughout, we emphasize the importance of accuracy, accessibility, and oversight, reminding listeners that human judgment and empathy must remain at the core of every compliance process. Tune in for practical ways to navigate AI's growing role in education. Key Points From This Episode: Behind the scenes: The busy renewal season for ICS and Community Partners. Popular resources and tools available to ICS Community Partners. Details of our spring training calendar, including the "Compliance Core Four" courses. Live training in Dallas covering compliance essentials for K–12. The growing relevance of AI in Title IX and Title VI compliance. Three focus areas: opportunity and risk, student access, and advisor use. How AI is changing where students and staff search for resources. The risk of misinformation when AI can't locate school policies. Steps for improving website accessibility and plain-language content. How AI tools can support coordinators through transcription and summarization. Guardrails for safe and ethical AI use in compliance work. Risks of bias, overgeneralization, inaccuracy, and loss of context in AI outputs. How parties and advisors may be using AI to prepare Title IX cases. Potential fairness and confidentiality challenges posed by AI-assisted work. Why human judgment, empathy, and expertise remain central to compliance. Practical takeaways for preparing your institution for AI's growing role. Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Tuesday Takeaways on LinkedIn Tuesday Takeaways Archive 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

Charlotte McLendon is passionate about supporting community colleges in their Title IX compliance efforts. She joins us today to discuss the Title IX work being done at the Alabama Community College System (ACCS). We unpack the work of ACCS, what Charlotte's role as Student Success Compliance Officer entails, and how her efforts impact each college. Charlotte's Title IX training began in a four-year institution, and she leans on her experience on both sides of the fence to explain the biggest differences between community colleges and four-year colleges, why some three-year and community colleges believe they are exempt from Title IX matters, and her approach to prevention education and Title IX awareness at community colleges. She also shares advice for supporting dual enrollment programs, what to expect at ACCS' upcoming dual enrollment conference, her training protocol for Title IX coordinators and colleges in general, and the ins and outs of pregnancy support in community colleges. Charlotte closes the conversation with a powerful reminder: despite the challenges, this work matters! Key Points From This Episode: What to look forward to in July with ICS. Student Success Compliance Officer Charlotte McLendon describes the work of ACCS. A closer look at her role at ACCS and how it manifests when supporting each college. The biggest differences between community colleges and a four-year institution. Why some community colleges believe they don't have any Title IX-related issues. Charlotte's approach to prevention education and Title IX visibility at community colleges. Her advice for supporting dual enrollment programs and ACCS' dual enrollment conference. Unpacking her training protocol for Title IX coordinators. Pregnancy support in community colleges and how it differs in four-year institutions. Our guest's final thoughts for listeners: keep up the important work! Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Charlotte McLendon at ACCS Alabama Community College System ICS Advanced Higher Education Title IX Symposium (Fairfax, VA) 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

A lot of ground is covered during this informational episode of The Law and Education Podcast to bring listeners up to speed with the changes to Title IX, Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI), and federal funding under the current administration. It is also Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and our conversation touches on the role of Title IX in relation to this. Next, we discuss the recent announcements from the Department of Education and the process that lawmakers are required to follow in order to make changes to the 2020 Title IX regulations. We unpack how the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is enforcing Title IX today, and how the Department of Education's recent order is affecting our institutions. Also included in this episode is a look at the Dear Colleague Letter and Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) investigation. It has been an unprecedented academic year, and ICS aims to keep everyone up to speed as best as possible. Join us for a broad overview of some key points affecting education today. Key Points From This Episode: ICS's first Title IX Mental Health and School Safety Symposium. The training plan that ICS is finishing up for summer going into fall. Blueprints for different policies that ICS has made available. What was covered in Episode 72: the initial impact of the current administration. Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Title IX. Announcements from the Department of Education with respect to special needs funding, student loans, and more. The process that must be followed for any changes to be made to the 2020 Title IX regulations. How OCR is enforcing Title IX today. The Department of Education's order that K-12 districts certify that they are ending any DEI practices as a condition for receiving federal money. The Dear Colleague Letter and investigation into FERPA under California statute related to transgender parent notification. What the most recent official freeze entails: 790 million in federal funding at North Western University. How ICS is aiming to keep listeners up to speed with the many changes coming from the current administration. Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Episode 72 Tuesday Takeaways Sexual Assault Awareness Month: Supporting Title IX Work Through Education and Community 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 late 2024, the Stop Campus Hazing Act was signed into law, amending the Clery Act – a consumer protection law designed to enhance transparency around campus crime policies and statistics. Beginning in 2025, institutions receiving federal student aid must comply with these new requirements. But what does this really mean for colleges and universities? Who is responsible for compliance, and what are the risks of falling short? Joining us today to answer these questions is Lindsay Hatzis, a Title IX Equity and Clery Specialist at ICS. In this episode, we start with a look at the Clery Act's history and purpose before diving into the major changes brought by the Stop Campus Hazing Act. We discuss key compliance deadlines, how institutions must track and report hazing incidents, and why schools need to take action now. Listen in for a clear, practical breakdown of what's ahead and how schools can prepare! Key Points From This Episode: Updates from ICS and details on upcoming trainings and events. Introducing Lindsay Hatzis, a Title IX Equity and Clery Specialist at ICS. The history of how the Clery Act was established and its current purpose. What universities are required to do under the Clery Act and fines for violations. Recommendations on who should be responsible for meeting Clery Act requirements. Who falls under the role of Campus Security Authority (CSA). An overview of the Stop Campus Hazing Act and how it amends the Clery Act. When you need to start collecting hazing statistics and have your policies in place. Complying with the definition of hazing under the Stop Campus Hazing Act. Ensuring your policies and practices comply with new hazing laws. Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Lindsay Hatzis on LinkedInEpisode 04: The tragic consequences of hazing: Lianne Kowiak shares her story Episode 34: Department of Education Announcement Rescinding Clery Guidance with John Graff — Special Episode Part 1 Episode 35: Department of Education Announcement Rescinding Clery Guidance with John Graff — Special Episode Part 2 'Higher Education is Exhausted' ICS Training Implementing the Stop Campus Hazing Act ICS Training | Title IX Prevention Part 1: Barriers to Title IX Reporting ICS Title IX Mental Health and Safety Symposium 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

If you're getting paid to ensure the outcomes of a group of people, you're now a leader. At ICS, we are often training Title IX coordinators on the fact that they are leaders of a Title IX Team. Shelli Warren is a Women's Team and Leadership Advisor providing high-touch team and leadership coaching for established small business owners. She joins us in conversation to unpack what it truly takes to be a good leader and how to identify the potential for leadership in others. We discuss strategy, networking, the role of branding in every industry, and much more. Whether you're a Title IX coordinator, an assistant principal, a president or chancellor of a university, a dean or department head, you're going to take away some nuggets from this conversation. Thanks for tuning in. Key Points From This Episode: Introducing guest Shelli Warren, whose expertise lies in business coaching. The broad range of listeners this episode is relevant for. One of the biggest hurdles to overcome as a leader. What the 'unbossing' movement signifies. Learning what it takes to be a good leader. Top traits of a good leader. Why regular team meetings are such a powerful staple. The importance of strategy in leadership. Characteristics that make people poor leaders. Advice for listeners: build your own network of trusted professionals. What it might look like to look broadly and beyond your biases. The role of branding in every office. The true moment that a person steps into leadership. Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Shelli Warren on LinkedIn Stacking Your Team Stacking Your Team on Instagram 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

Leadership is at the heart of every Title IX coordinator's role, making it essential to have a clear vision. This episode, the first in a series on leadership, revisits a past conversation with Dr. Kaaren Williamsen, Director of the Prevention Education, Assistance & Resources (PEAR) unit within the Equity, Civil Rights, and Title IX Office at the University of Michigan. In this insightful discussion, Kaaren offers valuable guidance for Title IX coordinators as they lead efforts on campuses and in districts. She also shares strategies for incorporating restorative justice practices into their work, distinguishing restorative intervention from mediation, and encouraging a broader perspective that prioritizes responsibility. This approach moves beyond simply addressing policy violations to genuinely meeting human needs. Join us as we explore these topics and more. Key Points From This Episode: The content of this episode: a replay of a past conversation with the highly experienced Dr. Kaaren Williamsen. Her professional journey which began at Carlton College. What her role at the University of Michigan's Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center. Understanding the shared responsibility of creating safe spaces on campus. Two elements to Kaaren's concept of restorative justice. How restorative justice can be incorporated into a formal grievance process. Adapting to specific needs for justice and accountability on a case-by-case basis. How choosing a restorative approach empowers Title IX workers. Reframing an understanding of the processes and their purpose. Embracing a bigger vision for how to do this work. Why every Title IX role is a leadership role. How the entry point to restorative justice in the context of sexual misconduct differs from a mediation process. The danger of over-emphasizing reporting. Going beyond addressing a policy violation to address human needs. Unpacking the 'both and' approach. Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Dr. Kaaren WilliamsenDr. Kaaren Williamsen on ResearchGate Dr. Kaaren Williamsen on LinkedIn Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center Campus PRISM Report Parallel Justice University of Michigan 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

We are off to the races with The Law and Education Podcast for 2025 – we hope you are well-rested, rejuvenated, and ready to tackle everything this year throws at you! Today is all about reflecting on where we've been, making some major announcements, and outlining our path forward for 2025. We learn about Celeste Bradly and Betsy Smith's new job titles as Chief Solutions Officer and Chief Innovation Officer respectively, what Courtney deems as vital in life and how she's carried these philosophies into ICS, and why leadership is our focus for the first month of the year. We also reflect on 2024 and specifically, the gains we made in our training programs, and we outline what we have planned and what we're most excited about for 2025! We hope it's a great year for you, and no matter the outcome, ICS is always here to support you in your Title IX and equity work. Key Points From This Episode: A reminder of Courtney's professional and personal interests, and why this podcast exists. What ICS holds as important for our staff and work culture. Announcing new job roles and titles for Betsy Smith and Celeste Bradley! Our focus for January: leadership. Reflecting on 2024 and the people we were able to reach and train. How we were forced into our first-ever training cancelation due to Hurricane Milton. What we have planned for virtual and in-person training in 2025. A moment of gratitude. What we're most excited about for 2025! Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: 2024 Title IX Year-End Review | Free Webinar Celeste Bradley on LinkedIn 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 X Learn about Becoming a Community Partner

Is community the greatest asset to a Title IX Coordinator? Today's guest began as a client and Community Partner before joining the team here at ICS. Brittany Gates is a mental health expert who serves as a Title IX and Equity Specialist at Institutional Compliance Solutions, LLC, and we begin today's conversation with how she got into the Title IX space. We learn about Brittany's entry into Title IX, her first experience with ICS, the benefits of being a Community Partner, and what her daily role at ICS entails. Brittany then describes the difficulties of navigating new and constantly changing Title IX regulations as an Interim Title IX Coordinator for institutions under different regulations. She also explains the benefits utilizing an Interim Title IX Coordinator for institutions and/or districts who may be experiencing a gap in staffing. To end, Brittany gives some words of advice to Title IX Coordinators on how to nurture their own mental health, and the mental health of those Coordinators interact with each da. Key Points From This Episode: The ICCS 2025 Spring Training Calendar is now open with discounts for early registrations! Brittany Gates walks us through her path to doing Title IX work. Brittany's first experience of ICS as a client, coordinator, and Community Partner. The benefits of being a Community Partner as a new Title IX coordinator and amidst new regulations. What Brittany's role as the Title IX and Equity Specialist at ICS entails. The difficulties of navigating fluctuating regulations. How the concerns of ICS have changed from when Courtney founded it to now. The benefits for schools in hiring an Interim Title IX Coordinator when there is a gap in staffing. Title IX, equity, and mental health considerations for an increasingly volatile world. Brittany's final words of wisdom and hope. Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Brittany Gates on LinkedIn Title IX, Mental Health and School Safety Symposium 2025 2024 Title IX Year-End Review 'Beyond the Investigation: Prioritizing Mental Health in Title IX Cases' 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

Unfortunately, my predictions about the Title IX regulation outcomes in Texas were completely wrong! Today on The Law and Education Podcast, we are bringing you another Title IX update and sharing the strange changes that have happened. Tuning in, you'll hear about what happened in Texas, learn everything you need to know about 'the Kansas decision', find out what schools (both litigation and non-litigation) have been impacted, and more! We even go through all the states that have not decided whether to follow 2020 or 2024 regulations and what that means for them. Finally, we discuss how ICS is handling all of these changes and supporting clients. Stay tuned for more updates and try to be agile through these strange times! Key Points From This Episode: What we have been doing at ICS during the summer. A recap of what's happened with Title IX changes since the last episode. How I was wrong about the Title IX outcome in Texas. What you need to know about 'the Kansas decision'. What schools are impacted by these changes and what it mean for them. How ICS has organized the schools in non-litigation and litigation states. The litigation states without a decision yet. How the ICS is supporting clients and partners through these changes. Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Title IX Updates Courtney Bullard on LinkedIn ICS 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 X Learn about Becoming a Community Partner

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