Empowering Equity at Pace: Bernard Dufresne on Title IX Initiatives

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With a commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive environment, Bernard Dufresne spearheads efforts to prevent and address harassment and discrimination, including gender-based discrimination, harassment, and violence. Delve into the vital role of Pace University's Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX Compliance, exploring its insights and strategies in upholding the principles of equality and justice on campus.

Please introduce yourself. How long have you been at Pace, and what experience do you bring from past professional roles?

My name is Bernard Dufresne, and I am the Assistant Vice President in the Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX Compliance. I have been at Pace for about three and a half years. Prior to joining Pace, I worked as an attorney in the Office for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Education, where I was responsible for conducting civil rights investigations of elementary, secondary, and post-secondary schools.

What is Title IX, and how does your office enforce it?

Title IX is a federal law in the United States that prohibits discrimination based on sex in educational programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance. Under Title IX, schools must designate a Title IX Coordinator to ensure compliance with the law and establish procedures to resolve complaints of sex-based misconduct promptly and equitably. At Pace, I serve as the Title IX Coordinator. There have been numerous changes to Title IX over the past six to ten years, and most recently, the Biden Administration introduced significant updates that went into effect on August 1.

What is one change to Title IX that you think is important for the Pace Community to know?

The new Title IX regulations clarify that any employee who is not in a confidential role must notify the Title IX Coordinator if they have information about conduct that might involve sex-based misconduct. In other words, any employee—except for clinical staff in the Counseling Center, University Health Care, or the Office of Sexual and Interpersonal Wellness (OSIW)—is required to report issues of sex discrimination to the Title IX Coordinator by filing a Guardian report or reaching out to me directly.

Can you tell us more about the Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX Compliance?

Absolutely! The Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX Compliance is responsible for conducting investigations, trainings, workshops, and serving as a resource for the Pace community on matters involving harassment and discrimination. This includes working one-on-one with individuals affected by sex-based misconduct and other types of harassment/discrimination, providing them with information about support and resources on and off campus, and offering training and professional development for faculty and staff. I also work closely with the Office of Sexual and Interpersonal Wellness, the Counseling Center, Safety and Security, Student Affairs, and Human Resources.

Are there ways for students, staff, and faculty to get involved with your office’s work?

While the Title IX office itself doesn’t hire students, OSIW hires student peer educators each academic year to support prevention efforts. These peer educators organize events and table on campus to raise awareness about sexual harassment and interpersonal violence. Faculty and staff interested in learning more about the Title IX office’s role and how it investigates and resolves discrimination or harassment cases can request a workshop. Additionally, faculty or staff members who would like to assist in Title IX investigations by serving as a hearing panelist or decision-maker are encouraged to reach out! Anyone looking to learn more about Title IX or partner with the office can contact me or Shawna Mott, the Associate Director in the Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX Compliance. More information about the Title IX Office can be found on our website.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?

I enjoy spending time with loved ones, watching soccer, and reading. If anyone has book recommendations, please let me know! During the early days of the pandemic, I developed a love for running, and I’ve managed to keep it up. There’s something about focusing on your breath and the rhythm of your footsteps that really helps clear my mind (even if just for a bit) and keeps me present. It also forces me to disconnect from my phone and computer, which is so necessary.

Learn more about Pace’s Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.