Information and updates on the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX

October 13, 2023

Dear Wolf Pack Family,

I would like to begin this message by reiterating that our University’s first and most important priority is the health, safety and welfare of everyone on campus. In recent days, there has been news of allegations involving various University faculty members and compliance with Title IX. I’m aware and understand the concerns there may be regarding these allegations. Unfortunately, given there is ongoing litigation, the University cannot comment directly on those allegations. However, I want to assure our University community that it is of the utmost importance we provide a safe environment for students, faculty, and staff and that all on our campus feel supported.

I write to you today with an update regarding our Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX, as well as providing you with an assessment of our current practices and how our campus community can expect resources to be handled in the future.

The University has continued to increase resources for Equal Opportunity and Title IX to enhance the visibility, awareness and effectiveness of this office. Additionally, this summer we welcomed to campus a new director of Equal Opportunity and Title IX, Zeva Edmondson. The progress that has been made trying to increase staffing, funding levels and a restructuring of roles within the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX, speak to critical structural and organizational enhancements that help this important office better meet the needs and expectations of our University.

It is also important to note that we are currently evaluating any barriers to reporting and engagement in Title IX-related matters. We are also tracking and assessing the effectiveness of our Equal Opportunity and Title IX programs to ensure we are doing what is right for the campus while remaining in legal compliance.

The short-term commitment is to share non-confidential Title IX data and information, as well as what challenges still lie ahead, with the campus through Title IX outreach this semester. In the coming months an annual report will be prepared and shared with the Nevada System of Higher Education and Board of Regents, shared governance bodies such as Faculty Senate as well as student government in ASUN and GSA. Title IX has already begun the process of strengthening campus collaboration and information sharing through outreach with the greater campus community. As part of this outreach, we will be engaging and conversing in a thoughtful dialogue with our campus community about Title IX in the near future. I sincerely believe that these efforts will build trust in the area of Title IX on our campus.

This is a complex issue. It requires an all-encompassing approach, one certainly grounded in legal compliance, but also requiring equal amounts of accountability, empathy and collaboration. The University is committed to consistently evaluating our strengths, our weaknesses and our available resources in ensuring we provide an environment where all individuals at the University of Nevada, Reno can engage in a positive and safe learning experience.

Sincere regards,

Brian Sandoval
President