By AJ Schultz, Editor

(Featured Image by Clarise Larson/KTOO)

This story is part of a series on Title IX. For context, please read or listen to “UAS Students Demand Title IX Reform,” on our website, Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

Progress has been made in the wake of Whalesong’s February editorial detailing the failures of Title IX at UAS. This includes the rebuilding of a community-based Title IX committee, which will provide support for survivors and keep the Title IX office in touch with campus culture. 

UAS English Professor Emily Wall will assemble and chair the committee, in collaboration with UAS Title IX coordinator Mitzi Anderson. The committee is expected to begin meeting this Fall.

“This is in response to the bravery of students who were willing to share their stories,” Wall said, “and faculty and staff wanting to find an immediate, tangible way to support them.”

A December Whalesong survey indicated students distrusted UAS Title IX systems. Wall said she hopes students will see in the committee a large group of faculty, staff, and administrators who are actively working toward safety.

“I’m hopeful that the good work the Whalesong has started this semester will lead directly to the success of this committee, and to greater safety at UAS,” Wall said.

The original committee was formed in 2017 alongside two others at UAA and UAF, as part of UA’s voluntary resolution agreement with the U.S. Office of Civil Rights to improve campus safety. According to Anderson, all three committees have since been disbanded. 

Wall and Anderson said the new committee will include students, staff and faculty. Anderson described committee members as “folks who have a level of access and engagement with our UAS community that is invaluable.” She said the committee will provide advice and guidance in Title IX programming, training and education. Anderson said the committee’s input will “go a long way in making our programs more relatable and effective.”

Wall said she is thrilled with how many people have agreed to be on the committee, from deans and campus directors to students and staff.

The committee will assist persons undergoing a Title IX grievance process by providing advisors to support them throughout the process, Anderson said. UAS does not have any local advisors, so complainants have to work remotely with advisors at UAA and UAF. 

“I think this committee can really help spread the word about the need for advisors and the importance of the advisor role,” she said.

Anderson compared the role of the committee to civil rights commissions she has worked with in the past. 

“While the structure isn’t exactly the same, there are many similarities,” she said, citing collaboration with community volunteers “who share their own expertise,” keeping the UAS community informed, and holding the Title IX Office accountable. 

“​​The most successful version of this Committee, I think, would involve a robust preventative programming schedule, regular events, comprehensive training, strong community relationships, and most importantly, a culture where the Title IX principles of gender equity and campus safety are woven throughout all areas and departments of UAS. I think a responsive Committee that would be able to address immediate needs or concerns as they arise would also be a tremendous success. Like any other Committee though, I think the measure of success may evolve over time, and we should be mindful of building in sustainability so that turnover or other fluctuations don’t become a barrier to its effectiveness.”

-Mitzi Anderson in a March 18 e-mail to Whalesong