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...
Jun 05, 2025•20 min•Ep. 74
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 orde...
Apr 17, 2025•27 min•Ep. 73
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 ...
Mar 13, 2025•44 min•Ep. 72
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 Titl...
Mar 06, 2025•37 min•Ep. 71
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...
Feb 06, 2025•11 min•Ep. 70
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, n...
Feb 06, 2025•50 min•Ep. 69
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 tre...
Jan 30, 2025•46 min•Ep. 68
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 ...
Jan 22, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 67
As always, things are constantly changing in the Title IX world. We already have an update with respect to the 2024 Title IX regulations. Join us as we uncover the details of this regulation and the significant implications it will have this year. You’ll also receive some important advice on how to proceed as a Title IX practitioner. Tune in to clear up any confusion and receive the necessary resources to move forward with this huge change in mind. Thanks for tuning in! Key Points From This Epis...
Jan 16, 2025•6 min•Ep. 66
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 philosoph...
Jan 10, 2025•12 min•Ep. 65
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 li...
Nov 21, 2024•5 min•Ep. 64
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 ro...
Nov 19, 2024•37 min•Ep. 63
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 nece...
Aug 15, 2024•44 min•Ep. 62
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 wh...
Jul 18, 2024•17 min•Ep. 61
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 o...
Jul 11, 2024•13 min•Ep. 60
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, po...
Apr 24, 2024•14 min•Ep. 59
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 epis...
Dec 21, 2023•12 min•Ep. 58
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 ...
Oct 26, 2023•12 min•Ep. 57
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...
Sep 07, 2023•38 min•Ep. 56
Title IX prohibits sex-based discrimination in any educational institution and can be quite a tricky topic in faith-based schools. Today’s episode shares a recent webinar on this topic. In this webinar Brittany Gates, Title IX and Equity Specialist at ICS, shares her experience as a Title IX Coordinator at a faith-based school, exactly what Title IX is, how to claim a religious exemption under Title IX, and why defined religious values are imperative in these instances. We also discuss code of c...
Jun 29, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 55
As you are probably aware, the Department of Education has decided to delay the release of the amended Title IX regulations, originally planned for May, to October 2023. In this episode, we highlight some important things we need to be aware of in light of this news. We discuss the implications of this postponement; particularly as it aligns with the start of a new academic year and the urgency for compliance given that four years will have passed under the 2020 regulations. We emphasize the nec...
Jun 22, 2023•12 min•Ep. 54
We are still under the 2020 Title IX regulations, so it’s essential to get in compliance with them! During today’s conversation, your host, Courtney Bullard, unpacks the topic of emergency removals and administrative leave, and the surrounding procedures and regulations. Tune in to hear what coordinators are permitted to do, how to distinguish between disciplinary and supportive measures, and why it is so important to do an individualized safety and risk assessment to determine the threat level ...
Apr 13, 2023•16 min•Ep. 53
Today’s topic gets really interesting when it impacts Title IX. Joining us today to explain the CHIPS Act of 2022 and how it might impact you are Joe Storch and Andrea Stagg with Grand River Solutions. During today’s discussion, our guests distill the role and implications of the Act, and what it means for compliance. We touch on institutional reporting, and the three big agencies promulgating the rules. You’ll hear how the incredibly low rate of reporting on sexual harassment impacts procedure,...
Mar 30, 2023•48 min•Ep. 52
Today on The Law and Education Podcast, we sit down with the Director of Title IX Services at ICS, Betsy Smith to talk about why visibility for the Title IX Coordinator is so essential. Betsy brings a unique skill set to the ICS team, having served as an assistant district attorney and student affairs professional. Recently, she worked for five years as the Director of Student Conduct and Deputy Title IX Coordinator at a large state institution where she oversaw more than 2,000 Title IX and othe...
Jan 26, 2023•44 min•Ep. 51
Before starting a new year, it’s always good to “measure backward” and reflect on the accomplishments, challenges, and growth of the past year. Today’s episode is something a bit different as we peel back the curtain and show you what goes on behind the scenes at ICS! In this episode, Courtney Bullard reflects on some of the accomplishments of ICS in 2022 before shedding light on what you can expect from the company in 2023. You’ll hear about ICS’s certification as a women’s business enterprise,...
Jan 12, 2023•15 min•Ep. 50
Has Title IX compliance got you stressed? Are you confused about the new proposed regulations? Well, this episode is for you! It is hard to believe that July is almost over and with it comes a new set of proposed Title IX regulations. The academic year is in full swing, which means new students and employees, making it essential for institutions and school districts to ensure Title IX compliance. The proposed regulations are 700 pages, and Courtney has condensed them into a Top 10 for you. We wo...
Jul 28, 2022•31 min•Ep. 49
Welcome back to the Law and Education Podcast! Today’s episode is an informational conversation on the topic of religious exemptions. Over 60% of our clients and community partners are faith-based institutions, so we have been fielding an increasingly high number of questions in the changing landscape. Tune in to learn how to prove that your school or institution qualifies for a religious exemption and hear about the key cases that have brought the exception into question. If your institution in...
May 26, 2022•15 min•Ep. 48
In today’s episode, Courtney talks Title IX litigation with Steven Richard, a highly experienced trial and appellate lawyer who handles commercial, higher education, privacy, and employment cases on federal and state court levels. We find out about Steven’s educational and professional background, a pivotal moment for Title IX case law with a recent Supreme Court decision in Cummings , considerations on how to effectively litigate in the Title IX context, the current challenges litigating Title ...
May 19, 2022•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 47
Navigating the Title IX process as a school or institution can be incredibly challenging, especially when there is a simultaneous, or parallel criminal process taking place. Here to help us unpack this challenging topic is Betsy Smith, a Senior Investigator and Consultant at Institutional Compliance Solutions (ICS) and K12 Team Lead. Betsy’s experience as a former prosecutor puts her in a unique position to give clarity on these subjects. In addition to her expertise in managing trauma and being...
Mar 17, 2022•48 min•Ep. 46
Given that we're celebrating Women's History Month and International Women's Day this week, today's installment is something a little different from our typical episode format. Today, we're celebrating the incredible team here at ICS who make the work we do, possible! Plus you'll hear some information about the history of International Women's Day, a day that is also underscored by the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Title IX this summer. We're also taking a moment to celebrate the women ...
Mar 10, 2022•12 min•Ep. 45
