Marjorie Nanian
Offering training and education on Title IX and preventing problems in the process were among the main points that Marjorie Nanian spoke about Tuesday, during the presentation portion of her Title IX Coordinator interview.
Nanian is based in Florida and has been an attorney for 30 years. She doesn’t practice law in Florida, but is an adjunct professor. Previously, Nanian was a junior high and high school teacher.
Title IX, and understanding it, is a matter of educating students, faculty and staff, according to Nanian
“I think by going into classrooms, where you can work in the subject matter and curriculum…when you talk about sexual harassment cases, you can work that right in and be a guest speaker and do a presentation,” Nanian said.
For faculty and staff, it could involve a workshop or seminar to help provide information, according to Nanian.
Part of the education process is helping people understand what Title IX can do and what its limitations are, Nanian said
“We can’t subpoena witnesses, we can’t put people in jail if they don’t show up, we can’t put the perpetrator in jail if he does or she does something wrong,” Nanian said. “Those are things we can not do. And then educate them on what can we do.”
Nanian also spoke about avoiding problems, and resolving the ones that do occur.
“When you have cases hit the media it generates negative public relations for your college,” Nanian said. “It probably impacts the ability to recruit faculty and administrators to your college, probably impacts the willingness of students to want to attend your college. You don’t want that. And I believe in avoiding problems, or as soon as they raise their heads, resolve it.”
Nanian has training in community dispute and mediation, which she feels will help her resolve and prevent any potential problems, Nanian said.
Jerald Spotswood, dean of the graduate school and dean of distance education, asked Nanian to talk about the role that she sees herself taking on during an investigation.
Nanian said she would use the same strategy she does while building up a case, which involves getting documentation, interviews in a neutral location, and researching the law and policies.
As part of her due diligence as Title IX Coordinator, Nanian said she would get as much information as possible.
“I would want to talk to each individual involved, I want to hear their side of the story,” Nanian said. “I’m sure they’re going to be very different. I would want to see if there’s been any documentation filed, any reports with public safety, teachers, anything.”
Joey Wood, a counselor at the Student Wellness Center, asked about how Nanian would make herself approachable to students, especially international and students of color.
Encouraging them to come forward would be a start, according to Nanian.
“There’s a tremendous underlying fear and they might not come forward and I don’t know if I can overcome that,” Nanian said. “As an international student, that’s very difficult. I would hope people, if they had an issue, would come. You can’t force people, you can let them know this is available, this is how it works, I’m your contact person if you feel comfortable.”