FRESH & FAMILIAR FACES
Laura Young Title IX Coordinator
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aura Young is a fresh face to most students, but familiar to staff and faculty who remember her work as Assistant Registrar and Administrative Assistant in the Registrar’s Office from 2015 to 2019. Now she has returned as the Title IX coordinator, working as part of the Department of Human Resources and the Office of the President, and serving the needs of both students and employees of the College. Title IX is a 1974 amendment of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which reads, “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” Under the requirements of Title IX, schools that receive federal funds have a legal obligation to protect students from gender-based violence and harassment – including sexual assault. Laura’s job is to fulfill that obligation. She is a native of Lexington, Ky., and received a bachelor’s degree in social work from Western Kentucky University (WKU). During her undergraduate years she did practicum work with low-income residents in the Community Action of Southern Kentucky and helped coordinate the local Retired and Senior Volunteer Program. As a member of WKU’s Social Work Student Union she also volunteered in many community programs, including “Take Back the Night,” which addresses sexual violence. Laura is excited to return to Georgetown College. “It feels like coming home to the family I created on campus,” she says. Her office on the ground floor of the John L. Hill chapel is an inviting room with warm lighting, soft hues, a comfy couch with pillows, and a basket of fidget toys. She hopes the space invites visitors to relax and share any experiences or concerns regarding sexual harassment and assault. She has been busy adopting and implementing an updated Title IX policy for the College and is putting together staff and faculty training events for the summer. She also is working with student groups and community organizations that will help promote and foster awareness and education about sexual assault. She is building a team of campus advisors who can help complainants and respondents with emotional support and advice during the required legal grievance process. “My goal is to meet students where they are and offer relatable education on uncomfortable topics. I aim to help foster an environment where transparency is encouraged, and survivors are empowered.”
GC MAGAZINE | SPRING 2022 15
