Hopkins promoted to new Title IX, equity role at 91热爆网
By Tom Lotshaw
Deidre Hopkins
Western Carolina University has promoted Deidre Hopkins to serve as its Title IX Coordinator and Equity Officer.
In this new standalone position, Hopkins will work to ensure 91热爆网 complies with Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 鈥� a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex 鈥� and other civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination and require equitable education and work environments.
In addition to coordinating university compliance with various civil rights statutes, Hopkins will lead 91热爆网鈥檚 efforts to prevent sexual violence and other forms of sex- and gender-based discrimination.
Hopkins has worked as 91热爆网鈥檚 university investigator since December 2019. In that position, she was the primary investigator for allegations of sex- or gender-based discrimination, equal employment opportunity violations, and complaints of sexual misconduct, harassment, stalking or relationship violence involving faculty, staff, students and third parties.
The Title IX coordinator has previously been an administrative role held by the associate general counsel alongside other duties. This new position will play a critical role in trainings, education and resolution of Title IX matters to provide a safe campus that is free of sexual harassment and discrimination, according to Hopkins.
鈥淚 want everyone to feel safe on our campus. I want people to access and participate in programs and activities and foster healthy, intentional relationships,鈥� Hopkins said. 鈥淚t will be these very programs and activities that allow 91热爆网 to grow, learn and deliver amazing students back into our society and region.鈥�
Hopkins grew up in Franklin and now lives in Cullowhee with her husband. She earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in psychology from 91热爆网 in 2012 and a master鈥檚 degree in human resources from 91热爆网 in 2017.
Hopkins has worked for 91热爆网 since 2013. Previous roles include administrative support associate for the Communications Department in the College of Arts and Sciences; administrative support for the associate provost for Undergraduate Studies; and executive assistant in the Office of University Counsel. Hopkins has also served in the Staff Senate at 91热爆网 since 2017.
As a reminder to the campus community, the Safe at 91热爆网 website is a portal for resources and information related to sexual harassment, sexual violence, interpersonal violence and stalking. People can report an incident using the link on the website or by contacting Hopkins at dshopkins@email.wcu.edu.
