Theresa A. Conroy and Julia Green Sewruk, partners at Harter Secrest & Emery LLP, a full-service business law firm with offices throughout New York, will lead a discussion on Title VII and Title IX for a prominent audience of college and university administrators. Conroy and Sewruk will be featured speakers at the Eastern Association of College and University Business Officers (EACUBO) 2016 Annual Meeting October 16-19 in Washington, D.C.
Conroy, Sewruk and Nazareth College Associate Vice President for Human Resources Jo Ellen Pinkham will give a presentation entitled “Clery and VAWA—Title VII vs. Title IX: The Employment Side of Combatting Sexual Assault on College Campuses.” The discussion will address the intersection of Title VII and Title IX, two important civil right statutes, and how higher education institutions can ensure compliance with both statutes when analyzing sex and gender discrimination claims involving employees. In addition, Conroy, Sewruk and Pinkham will discuss the legal framework of Title IX, as well as institutional obligations for higher educational institutions, how to lead necessary discussions on campus, and developing compliant policies and processes.
“Higher education institutions operate in an atmosphere of intense regulatory focus and compliance requirements,” Conroy said. “It is imperative that campus leaders not only have a thorough and clear understanding of their role and obligations in ensuring compliance with state and federal statutes, and in responding to any and all civil rights claims, but also that their campuses create a community atmosphere in which students, faculty, and staff are treated with dignity and compassion when bringing forward concerns about discrimination.”
Harter Secrest & Emery’s Higher Education attorneys guide institutions through the unique legal, operational and regulatory challenges colleges and universities face. The group has extensive experience and brings a perspective that goes well beyond the legal question. The breadth and depth of the team’s knowledge as legal counsel is enhanced by experiences gained by members of the group who served in various higher education administrative roles. The team counsels institutions on a wide range of matters including compliance with Title IX and other state and federal governmental regulations; conducting and responding to internal and government investigations; governance, operational, business and employment matters; and crisis management and response, among others.
About Harter Secrest & Emery LLP
Harter Secrest & Emery LLP is a full-service business law firm providing legal services to clients ranging from individuals and family-owned businesses to Fortune 100 companies and major regional institutions. With offices in Rochester, Buffalo, Albany, Corning, and New York City, New York, the firm is a recognized leader in corporate, employee benefits, environmental and land use, healthcare, higher education, immigration, intellectual property, labor and employment, litigation, real estate, and trusts and estate law. Harter Secrest & Emery has 32 U.S. News – Best Lawyers 2016 “Best Law Firms” top tier practice group rankings – more Western New York rankings than any other law firm. The firm has been top ranked in Chambers USA for Corporate/M&A, Litigation and Immigration law and 46 attorneys are recognized as The Best Lawyers in America in 2017.