The Law & Education

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

The transition to the new administration this past month has brought a host of rapid changes in education-related law and compliance. A lot of developments have happened that may impact the Title IX and equity space. It's more important than ever before to stay informed but not overwhelmed, and this episode aims to share key insights to help you do exactly that. Join us as we discuss the critical role of an informed community, what the upcoming changes might mean for practitioners, and more. You'll receive practical resources to help you understand what the new Executive Orders may mean, learn more about the Office for Civil Rights' recent investigation into a K12 school district, and find out what we can supply to support you when you become a Community Partner. Tune in today for all this and more.

Key Points From This Episode:

• An invitation to subscribe, share, rate, and review the podcast.
• Staying informed but not overwhelmed.
• The critical role of a community to help keep you informed.
• What these changes essentially mean for practitioners.
• ICS's 2020 Title IX Policy Blueprint.
• Resources to understand what the new Executive Orders may mean.
• The Office for Civil Rights' investigation into a K12 school district.
• Additional requirements brought about by the Stop Campus Hazing Act.
• Why this is a good time to become a Community Partner.
• Tools and support that you can gain access to, including the ICS Triage Tool.

Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:

ICS BlogExecutive OrdersEpisode 66

ICS Lawyer

Stop Campus Hazing Act

2020 Report Triage Tool

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

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

Many institutions are well acquainted with Title IX compliance but are less informed about adhering to other civil rights laws, like Title VI. Today, we are talking with Celeste Bradley, Chief Services Officer at Institutional Compliance Solutions (ICS), about the complexities of Title VI compliance and how to address discrimination based on race, color, or national origin. We discuss the contours of Title VI compliance, who it protects, its similarities to Title IX compliance, and important trends to be aware of regarding Title VI. Celeste breaks down key takeaways for schools to ensure they comply, like having an accessible reporting process, clear policies, training, tracking, language assistance, and immediate support in cases of discrimination. We also discuss broader jurisdictional concerns around Title VI enforcement before learning how ICS helps schools comply with Title VI, ensuring fair treatment and access to education for all students. For an in-depth discussion on the intricacies of Title VI compliance, be sure to tune in! Key Points From This Episode:

• Introducing today's guest, Celeste Bradley, ICS's new Chief Services Officer.
• ICS services and a behind-the-scenes look at what Celeste does operationally for ICS.
• An overview of Title VI: discrimination based on race, color, or national origin.
• How ICS assists with Title IX compliance and other civil rights laws, like Title VI.
• The importance of having a process for reporting and handling complaints under Title VI.
• How climate surveys can help schools understand and address issues affecting students.
• Broader jurisdictional issues and trends around Title VI enforcement.
• Why schools need to provide language assistance to students with limited English proficiency.
• How to put an effective system in place to track patterns and trends.
• A reminder of key steps like collecting evidence and offering support.
• What to expect from the ICS process and support on Title VI compliance.

Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:

ICS Lawyer

Celeste Bradley on LinkedIn Power Up Product ManagementTitle IX Year-End Review Webinar with Steven RichardEpisode 65: 2025 Is Here: Reflections, Announcements, and What's Next for 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

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