Title IX Coordinator and ADA Compliance Officer Kevin Sheppard Sr. began work on his proposed Title IX Student Ambassador program, to the relief of the concerned University community. Winthrop University welcomed Sheppard on November 1, 2021. Since his appointment, Sheppard has strongly advocated for changes to the culture and administration surrounding Title IX at the University, including proposing the creation of a Title IX Student Ambassador program and his “Creating the Culture Shift” initiative.
Many have raised concerns regarding the previous handling of Title IX cases, complaints, and complainants, and the campus community was hopeful that the new coordinator would be able to influence this situation. Previous articles from The Johnsonian and The Roddey McMillan Record have expressed concerns and called for action to involve student voices in the Title IX process, and it appears that Sheppard has heeded this request.
“…One thing that I did talk about [during the hiring process] was having not just a town hall, but multiple town halls, multiple events and programs put in place where, again, the partnerships can be formed with the students and the student organizations. Because again, the students are what I would call the foot soldiers on the ground. They’re more in tune with what’s actually going on in the residence halls, what’s going on around campus and things of that nature,” said Sheppard in an interview with The Johnsonian following his appointment last November. Sheppard has spoken of numerous student-lead initiatives, but there has been delay in implementing them beyond the planning stages.
Sheppard held interest meetings for his new Student Ambassador program on September 19 and 20, 2022, discussing Title IX, what he planned for the Ambassadors to do for the community and for the Title IX office, and updates regarding his work since his appointment.
Despite his enthusiasm regarding his appointment, there have been periods of inaction from the new coordinator. Sheppard suffered an injury in April, resulting in several surgeries on his arm. This injury explains his absence from campus in Spring 2022 and the delay of proposed initiatives and programming.
Students, faculty, and staff appear hesitantly optimistic that these programs and initiatives will create the momentum needed to change attitudes and the culture that has lingered at the University in recent years. Advocacy groups have expressed interest in this initiative and have begun to promote this opportunity for students to spearhead changes and influence the culture surrounding sexual assault and Title IX at Winthrop University. The momentum Sheppard desires appears achievable due to the availability of motivated students and staff who want to help create the changes he promised.
Survivors have been calling for action from the new coordinator since his appointment and it is crucial that there is accountability for the delay in addressing the extent of inappropriate and unprofessional conduct standards that have been set by previous incidents.
While there is some understanding to be extended to the new coordinator due to his injury, Title IX is a vitally important federal law that protects students in a way that requires frequent and extensive communication with students, faculty, staff, and administration. The University must continue to have high standards and expectations for Sheppard, especially as he recovers and returns to campus.