Why Small Communication Mistakes Become Big Investigation Problems
When people think about investigations, they usually think about evidence. They think about interviews, reports, witness statements, and final determinations. Those pieces of the process deserve attention because they often shape the outcome of a case. What people rarely talk about is communication. After conducting investigations for many years, I have become convinced that some […]
The Hidden Work That Happens Before the First Interview
When people think about investigations, they usually picture the interviews. They imagine an investigator sitting across from a complainant, a respondent, or a witness, asking thoughtful questions and carefully documenting the conversation. Those interviews are certainly important, but they represent only one part of the investigative process. In my experience, some of the most important […]
What Colleagues Have Taught Me About Leadership
Leadership is often described as something we do for others. We guide, support, train, mentor, and make decisions that affect the people around us. While that is true, I have also learned that leadership is something others help shape in us. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work with colleagues, clients, students, advocates, […]
Why Fairness Matters More Than Outcomes
Throughout my career, I have worked in environments where people often focus on one thing: the outcome. People want to know who was right, who was wrong, who won, who lost, and whether the decision matched their expectations. That is understandable. When someone is involved in a civil rights investigation, a Title IX matter, an […]
Title IX and Social Media: How Online Harassment Is Changing the Conversation
Title IX was designed to protect individuals from gender discrimination in educational settings, ensuring equal opportunities for all students. While much of the discussion around Title IX has focused on issues like athletics, sexual harassment, and academic opportunities, a new frontier has emerged—social media. Digital platforms have become a major factor in gender discrimination cases, […]
Understanding the Difference Between Equality and Equity: A Closer Look Through the Lens of Title IX
As we reflect on the progress made in achieving fairness and inclusivity in education and athletics, it’s essential to distinguish between two key concepts that are often used interchangeably but carry distinct meanings: equality and equity. These terms, though related, are fundamentally different, and understanding their implications can help ensure that policies like Title IX […]
Building Stronger Relationships Between Law Enforcement and Communities
In today’s society, one of the most important challenges facing law enforcement is building and maintaining trust with the communities they serve. Historically, tensions have existed between law enforcement and certain communities, particularly those that are marginalized or underrepresented. This mistrust can hinder the effectiveness of policing and lead to further social unrest. As someone […]
Empowering Underrepresented Communities through Civil Rights and Equity Training
As someone who has worked both in law enforcement and in civil rights consulting, I’ve seen firsthand how the lack of equity and civil rights training can perpetuate division and inequality. Over the years, I’ve come to realize that creating an inclusive and respectful environment isn’t just about policy—it’s about understanding and engaging with the […]
The Role of Civil Rights Compliance in College Athletics: Ensuring Fairness and Opportunity for All
College athletics have long been a source of pride and passion for universities, students, and communities alike. However, as with many areas of life, the world of college sports isn’t always free from challenges. In particular, civil rights compliance in athletics is crucial to ensuring that all student-athletes—regardless of their gender, race, or background—have an […]
Advocating for Students: The Need for Civil Rights Compliance in Schools
Education is the foundation upon which we build brighter futures for our children, communities, and society as a whole. Schools are meant to be places where all students, regardless of their background, identity, or circumstances, can learn, grow, and thrive. However, for many students, these opportunities are often undermined by issues of discrimination, bias, and […]