This post serves as an explication of the position of Drew Students for Title IX regarding the recent changes to Drew University's structuring of Title IX and EEO/AA offices.
We, Drew Students for Title IX, are submitting this addendum to assert that our concern is first and foremost that Drew University has eliminated the free-standing office, and full-time position, of Title IX Coordinator. The termination of this role and office, and the shift of the primary Title IX coordinator responsibilities to the Dean of Students Frank Merckx, is concerning on multiple grounds.
Firstly, as stated in our petition, the institution’s decision to eliminate the full-time Title IX Coordinator position raises questions about the institution’s dedication to the full enforcement of Title IX. President Baenninger, on behalf of the University’s leadership, publicly stated that student-facing roles would not be terminated in cost-cutting measures. The responses on our petition clearly show that members of the Drew community strongly understand the Title IX Coordinator to be a vital student-facing position, one which allows students greater safety on campus and stands as an avenue to address multiple forms of discrimination. We are concerned at the institution’s designation of the office of Title IX as a disposable cost, and demand that administrators prioritize its existence, funding, and power within Drew’s institutional structure.
Secondly, we are concerned with conflicts of interest that might arise as a result of the current structuring of the Title IX office within the University. Given its overlap with the Dean of Students and other positions under him, we believe it is not out of the realm of possibility that conflicts of interest are not only possible but likely. This concern is explicitly stated in the precedents set by the 2015 “Dear Colleague Letter” of the Assistant Secretary of Civil Rights of the Office for Civil Rights in the Department of Education.
Thirdly, Drew Students for Title IX recognize the equal importance of the EEO/AA on university campuses and the failure of Drew University to prioritize issues of race and class which would be addressed by a full-time EEO/AA position. As such, Drew Students for Title IX find it reprehensible that the duties of an EEO/AA officer were relegated to the Title IX Coordinator at Drew University. Recent changes in the Title IX structure at Drew University have perpetuated this issue by shuffling the duties of EEO/AA to the Director of HR, Maria Force.
The legal mandates of Title IX and Title VII (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) are not properly supported under the new leadership structure established at Drew University as of January 2019. Both of these legal mandates against various forms of discrimination deserve the full attention of an experienced, full-time, independent position at the University. These positions must first and foremost serve the individuals who comprise the University and be given full reign of investigation to ensure justice is pursued for every complaint. The structuring of these positions as secondary to those of Vice President of Campus Life and Student Affairs, Dean of Students, Director of Human Resources, Director of Residence Life for Student Engagement, Coordinator of Student Conduct and Success, and Administrative Assistant to the Vice President of Campus Life and Student Affairs and Dean of Students jeopardizes independence and rigorous enforcement. Further, it subordinates the needs of vulnerable individuals to institutional safeguarding.
The Drew Students for Title IX hereby demand that the above concerns be explicitly addressed by Drew University. In addition we have compiled more detailed questions pertaining to ongoing and future Title IX complaints and investigations at Drew University, which we also call upon the University administration to answer. Finally, we urge that Drew begin to prioritize Title IX and Title VII issues and seek experienced, full-time, independent staff to deal with these issues on campus.
Follow us on social media to stay up to date on what Drew Students for Title IX is working on. Interested in getting involved? Email us at drewtitleixcomplaint@gmail.com.