Educational institutions face complex challenges when it comes to handling allegations of harassment and assault from students, faculty, or staff. As federal guidelines and regulations change, each institution must chart its own path for the future, taking into consideration its history, values, and goals. Blackbird can help.
Through fifteen years of experience drafting Justice Department policy, Blackbird’s founder developed an expertise in balancing the obligations and principles of an organization with the need to develop strong policies and related procedures for potential victims and others who have experienced trauma. Now she uses those skills to help educational institutions adhere to Title IX’s requirements while supporting complainants and respondents in ways that are consistent with institutional values and goals.
Blackbird also has extensive experience training on adherence to legal and policy requirements when working with those in sensitive matters, both with the Justice Department and as a professor of victim rights at American University. Blackbird’s training options include:
- An effective response to disclosures of trauma: What are the five things you must do when receiving a claim?
- An overview of the criminal justice system for Title IX administrators and investigators
- An overview of proposed changes to Title IX regulations and the Dear Colleague letter, including new standards of proof, required complainant cross-examination, and impact on claims of dating violence and stalking
To discuss your needs, email kate[at]blackbird-dc.com.