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

Join Courtney Bullard for a quick informational episode about what to expect post-election in the Title IX space. We take a look at what we know about President-Elect Trump and his plans for Title IX, a reminder to register for Title IX training sessions, details on the upcoming complimentary webinar in January 2025, and more about the Title IX, Mental Health and School Safety Symposium to be held in Nashville on April 3-4th, 2025. Continue the good work you’re doing on the ground, thanks for listening!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Today’s topic of conversation: post-election shifts in the Title IX space.
• What we do know about President-Elect Trump and Title IX.
• Our encouragement: please consider continuing your compliance efforts.
• A reminder to register for Title IX training sessions.
• The work remains the same: support first and support always.
• Details on the complimentary webinar January 2025: 2024 Title IX Year End Review.
• Courtney shares more about the Title IX, Mental Health and School Safety Symposium (April 3-4, 2025).

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

‘Episode 62: Title IX and Athletics: Equipping & Empowering Coaches, Parents, and Athletes with Heath Eslinger’

Complimentary Webinar Registration: 2024 Title IX Year End Review

Title IX, Mental Health and School Safety Symposium (April 3-4, 2025)

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

Today on The Law and Education Podcast, we step away from the chaos and confusion surrounding the Title IX litigation landscape and the August 1st implementation deadline to bring you an important conversation. Join host Betsy Smith, Director of Title IX Services at ICS, and Heath Eslinger, Cofounder of A Better Way (ABW) Athletics, for an enlightening discussion on Title IX and its impact on athletics. Betsy and Heath delve into how Title IX regulations influence the sporting world and the necessity of equipping coaches, parents, and athletes with the appropriate infrastructure, tools, and resources. They provide valuable insights and practical advice to help everyone involved in athletics achieve their goals and enjoy a positive sporting experience. The conversation also addresses the critical issue of hazing, offering guidance on training and prevention within the context of Title IX compliance. For a deeper understanding of the intersection between education, law, and athletics, and to learn how to foster a safer and more supportive environment for all athletes, be sure to tune in today!

Key Points From This Episode:

• An introduction to Heath, ABW Athletics, and his work in the sports and education space.
• The importance of training and preparation for coaches and sports leaders.
• Compliance versus real change and how we can better support our coaches.
• Reasons that education and sports leaders should be proactive rather than reactive.
• The realities of hazing, how damaging it can be, and why awareness is critical.
• Why tradition isn’t an acceptable excuse for unethical practices.
• The immense power of servant leadership, continuous learning, and humility.
• What it looks like for a coach to commit to the well-being of the athletes in their care.
• Practical advice for discussing difficult topics like hazing with young kids.
• Training and prevention guidelines for coaches and administrators in the context of Title IX.
• The profound impact coaches have on children (and why we need to take it seriously).
• A quick recap of the key takeaways from today’s conversation.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

A Better Way Athletics

Heath Eslinger on LinkedIn

Betsy Smith on LinkedIn

Betsy Smith LinkedIn Post for Title IX Professionals

Rituals Roadmap: The Human Way to Transform Everyday Routines into Workplace Magic

The Principle of the Path: How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be

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

In the last episode of The Law and Higher Education Podcast, listeners were encouraged to take a vacation in light of the Title IX chaos and today, we are discussing why Title IX professionals should ‘pause’ while awaiting final outcomes. Tuning in, you’ll hear what happened over the summer at ICS, what has been happening with the Title IX regulations since the last episode, and how to handle this strange period in Title IX history. We encourage you to pause, wait, and see what happens instead of trying to react in real time to all of these changes. We even share some of our ICS Title IX training plans. To hear all this and even find out where to get updates on these litigation changes, be sure to press play now! 

Key Points From This Episode:

• What has been happening at ICS over the summer. 
• A recap of what’s been happening with the Title IX regulations. 
• What happened in the Kansas vs. US Department of Education case. 
• How to handle this period before rulings are made. 
• Why Title IX professionals should wait to see what happens. 
• The ICS plans for Title IX training in the near future. 
• Where to hear all of the updates on these litigation changes. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Real-time Title IX Updates 

ICS Lawyer

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 

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

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! 

• 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.

• Don’t forget to like, review, and subscribe to help us grow!

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