The year 2025 was a reset, not a pause. There are some narratives floating around that 2025 was a slowdown year for civil rights enforcement, but that narrative is wrong. What 2025 actually showed is that enforcement didn't retreat; it restructured. During this episode, we explore the priorities that defined 2025, the decentralization of civil rights enforcement, and what this meant for compliance over the past year. We also dive into the five enforcement realities that emerged and the implications of each of these for the future. The real compliance question for 2026 isn't whether you have policies and procedures; it's whether your compliance house is in order. In 2025, siloed compliance models broke down. Join us as we discuss the impact of this, what centralization truly means, and what to ensure you have on your risk radar as we enter a new year.

Key Points From This Episode:

• A new community partner benefit that ICS is rolling out in 2026.
• The restructuring that defined 2025 in civil rights compliance.
• Which priorities led enforcement politics over the past year.
• Understanding that civil rights enforcement is no longer centralized and the implications of this.
• The five enforcement realities that became impossible to ignore over the past year.
• Assessing whether or not your compliance house is in order.
• Why siloed compliance models broke down in 2025 and what this means for the future.
• What centralization actually means for us.
• Elements to keep on your risk radar in 2026.
• Topics included in the first ICS webinar of the year.

Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:

Register for the 2025 Year-End Compliance Review Webinar Steven Richard on LinkedIn

ICS

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

The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is a critical part of the US Department of Education, and today on the Law and Education Podcast, we are discussing the ins and outs of the OCR. We are joined by a partner at Evergreen Education Solutions and former regional director at the US Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights, Beth Gellman-Beer. Tuning in, you'll hear all about the OCR, what they do, what Beth worked on during her 18 years in the OCR, and more. We delve into how the OCR has changed since Beth's time there before discussing how resolution agreements have changed over the last year. Beth even walks us through steps to take if you find out you're under investigation, how schools can figure out what civil rights areas to focus on, and where she sees OCR in the near future. Finally, our guest tells us about what's been going on recently with the OCR and what she's been doing since she left. Thanks for listening!

Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:

Beth Gellman-Beer on LinkedIn

OCR Recent Resolutions

Office for Civil Rights (OCR)

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

The Department of Justice is more active than ever before. At the launch of the new academic school year, we are joined by two formidable legal minds from Salvatore Prescott Porter & Porter. Whitney Pellegrino is a seasoned architect of educational civil rights enforcement and strategic counsel for institutions nationwide. Veronica Percia is a dynamic litigator and former DOJ leader behind some of the most impactful Title IX and discrimination settlements in the country. Both of them bring deep experience and a profound dedication to advancing equity and education. Our conversation kicks off with two DEI updates from the DOJ before we share updates from ICS. Then, we launch into the experiences that have shaped Whitney and Veronica's paths to working in civil rights, what makes working at the DOJ special, and insights into the current landscape and the changes we are seeing today. Next, we discuss what it looks like to be proactive in this space, distinguish between the abstract and specific implications, and look beyond the immediate implications of a complaint to understand what it is symptomatic of. Join us today to hear all this and more.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Background on Whitney Pellegrino and Veronica Percia from Salvatore Prescott Porter & Porter.
• The Bondi Memo issued to federal agencies responsible for enforcing civil rights laws.
• Stephanie Gallagher's recent ruling and the impact it will have on DEI.
• ICS updates including new higher ed and K-12 trainings and the Title VI policy blueprint.
• Whitney's journey to the DOJ.
• Veronica's path to civil rights law.
• What is unique about working at DOJ and what makes the job special.
• The UMBC investigation that Veronica worked on.
• Differences between OCR and DOJ enforcement tools and authority.
• Insights on the current landscape, Title IX, and Title VI.
• Why this is the time to be proactive and supply more civil rights compliance to students.
• Distinguishing between the law in the abstract and the law as it applies to you.
• Understanding that complaints relate to experiences and broader issues.
• What the best defenses to chaos actually are.
• How Whitney and Veronica are supporting schools today.

Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:

Whitney Pellegrino on LinkedIn

Veronica Percia Salvatore Prescott Porter & Porter ICS Title IX Policy Blueprint

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

It is hard to believe that we're already zooming into summer! It's been a wild few months, and this is an informational episode to recap some of what has happened. We start by giving you a peek behind the scenes at ICS, from training planned to a newly launched LinkedIn newsletter. Next, we touch on the May 22nd injunction, the events of May 23rd, and what the newly introduced Civil Rights Fraud Initiative stands to do. Our discussion also explores multiple new executive orders that have emerged recently and delves into Harvard's fight and defense strategy with the administration and the timeline of events. Lastly, we unpack what you can gain from the ICS summer prep worksheets. Thanks for listening!

Key Points From This Episode:

• In-person and live virtual trainings ICS is offering for K-12 and Higher Ed.
• The newly launched Tuesday Takeaways newsletter on LinkedIn.
• Unpacking the implications of the preliminary injunction of May 22nd on Title VII.
• The Supreme Court's recent blocking of its first religious charter school.
• Introduction of a new unit: The Civil Rights Fraud Initiative.
• The new executive order banning disparate impact analysis in civil rights enforcement.
• Another new executive order focused on strengthening and investing in HBCUs.
• A timeline of what Harvard sees as the administration's escalating retaliation campaign.
• What is covered in the 2025 summer prep worksheets from ICS.

Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:

K-12 Worksheet Higher Ed WorksheetICS Lawyer BlogICS on LinkedInTuesday Takeaways LinkedIn NewsletterHigher Ed Trainings and Webinars'Restoring Equality of Opportunity and Meritocracy'Title IX, Mental Health and School 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 LinkedIn

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

Impulsive action is oftentimes the wrong action. This episode is a reminder to remain calm amidst the uncertainty many schools are facing under the new administration. Joining us is Steven Richard, a Trial and Appellate Attorney, admitted in Federal and State Courts in Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. His practice areas include business litigation, education law, employment law, and representing management in governmental law. In our conversation with Steven, he shares his insights on how to navigate the ever-changing landscape we find ourselves in today and unpacks some of the changes that are most relevant to the education space. We discuss how to do a holistic assessment of the impact of changing regulations on your institution and what it might look like to provide much-needed perspective to your clients. Tune in for essential advice on how to navigate today's evolving litigation landscape at your campus or school district!

Key Points From This Episode:

• The upcoming Title IX, Mental Health and School Safety Symposium hosted by ICS Lawyer.
• Three things to bear in mind while assessing the recent changes.
• What an Executive Order is and how it impacts citizens.
• Assessing what is different about the way current Executive Orders are rolling out.
• Making an individual, holistic assessment of your culture, community, clients, and policies.
• The role of Dear Colleague Letters and how these differ from regulations.
• How dozens of Federal Departments are impacting funding for schools and universities.
• Why it is so important for senior administrators to bring much-needed perspective to clients.
• Questions following the February 14th Dear Colleague Letter.
• Litigation and challenges to Executive Orders: funding, judicial DEI issues, and more.
• Prioritizing a reassuring message alongside behind-the-scenes implementation.

Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:

Steven Richard on LinkedIn

Steven Richard on X

Steven Richard EmailTitle IX, Mental Health and School 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

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