An ATIXA Testimonial by Alexis Piñero-Benson, University of New Hampshire
Following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack in Israel and the ongoing geopolitical conflict, many colleges and universities witnessed a surge of protests, demonstrations, and a rise in antisemitism. The overlap between these events has been noteworthy.
By the end of January 2025, a wave of change began that carried an undercurrent of tension. The new presidential administration issued executive orders in rapid succession. News outlets reported tirelessly, and our phones were ringing nonstop. It was a moment of critical decision-making.
Who could have predicted what we went through? My General Counsel reminded us of our obligations under Title VI, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, and national origin. Title VI would serve as a critical lens for addressing pressing community issues.
Finding a balance between protecting free expression and preventing discrimination requires a thoughtful and nuanced approach. Our effectiveness relies on our ability to adapt quickly, communicate clearly, and uphold our commitment to educational access. Recognizing the significance of Title VI, I enrolled in ATIXA’s inaugural training.
My Relationship with ATIXA
As the Chief Student Conduct Officer and Director for the Office of Community Standards at the University of New Hampshire, I oversee and administer the university-wide disciplinary system and conflict resolution programs which includes the law school in Concord and the College of Professional Studies in Manchester and online division, ranging from general student misconduct to hazing and formal complaints.
I cut my teeth in Residence Life over a decade ago, and, in 2016, I transitioned to Student Conduct full-time. There, I was promoted to Assistant Director of Community Standards and Equity and Title IX Investigator. At the time, I was working in Boston at Berklee College of Music. Berklee’s strong commitment to professional development prompted me to complete my first certification with ATIXA in 2016. Like many institutions, we were navigating a U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights (OCR) complaint, and I was quickly immersed in the process. Since then, I’ve deepened my expertise through multiple ATIXA certifications, consistently returning because the content is rich.
ATIXA has been instrumental in deepening my knowledge and skills in investigations, critical writing technique, and impartial decision-making. The skills required for completing Title IX investigations demand constant refinement, as these reports can be scrutinized in a courtroom. I approach every report with this in mind, ensuring the practical techniques I’ve learned from ATIXA remain central to my process.
Now is the Time to Train on Title VI
I had been eager to complete a Title VI training for some time. When I saw a social media post announcing ATIXA’s new Title VI trainings, it felt like I had manifested it into reality. I didn’t hesitate to enroll. I completed Title VI Compliance Foundations Level One for Educational Settings and Free Speech and Responding to Protests and Activism in Educational Settings during ATIXA’s Winter Symposium.
As institutions continue to refine their approach to Title VI—whether through standalone policies or by codifying protected characteristics into broader frameworks—this felt like the perfect chance to deepen my understanding.
Title VI and First Amendment Intersections
Exploring the intersections between Title VI and First Amendment rights is crucial. A highlight of the training was Saunie Schuster, a leading authority on the First Amendment. She was captivating, delivering the content with such mastery that she hardly relied on her slides. Moments like that make a lasting impression.
One of the most valuable aspects of ATIXA trainings is when faculty review OCR resolution agreements. Analyzing what OCR has detected has gone awry and what agreements were reached with districts or school systems is constantly enriching. These real-world examples bring the trainings to life and keep me returning for more.
Translating Title VI Skills into Practice
ATIXA’s launch of Title VI courses is a logical progression. Skills like investigation techniques and report writing in Title IX trainings are highly applicable and easily transferable to broader civil rights compliance. How can investigators synthesize these concepts in investigations, reducing them into writing that the General Counsel will support? That’s a critical skillset.
While the policies and procedural frameworks of Title VI and Title IX share similarities, understanding the differences in language is essential. In compliance work, we are reliant on definitions. Couple that with navigating federal guidance that is not yet federal regulation and that underscores the importance of dedicated training. This integration of practical skills and legal guidance makes these courses exceptional.
ATIXA’s Title VI trainings gave us the confidence to navigate real-time events and executive orders. The trainings elevated my understanding of a complex and timely topic. While I gained valuable insights, it left me hungry to learn more. The content wasn’t easy, but its depth made it worthwhile. I have been revisiting my notes and the resources in the event lobby, relying heavily on them because I am an iterative learner. These notes are indispensable and will continue to guide my work.
The Future of Title VI Compliance
Moving forward, I expect Title VI to become more normative, and we will see a rise in the number of designated individuals responsible for Title VI compliance. I don’t believe institutions have ignored Title VI; instead, they are uncertain how to address it effectively. Implementing a clear Title VI policy is a great way forward. In the future, we’re likely to see either an expansion of Title IX Coordinators’ responsibilities to include Title VI or dedicated individuals appointed to oversee Title VI compliance, likely within a civil rights or affirmative action office.
This shift would be a positive development. The role of a Title IX Coordinator is already overwhelming, and without adequate support and infrastructure, it can become highly challenging to manage. Ideally, Title VI oversight should be independent to ensure it’s managed with focus and expertise. To borrow a phrase Brett Sokolow and Saunie love, I wish I had a crystal ball to know where things are headed.
Register for ATIXA’s Title VI Compliance Summer Focus Week and immerse yourself in a streamlined virtual learning environment. Completing all four ATIXA Title VI certification courses in one week can optimize your time and impact on the community. Prefer to train in person? Join ATIXA in Portland, Oregon, on June 9-14, 2025, for the 2025 Summer Symposium.