FAYETTEVILLE -- Tyler Farrar has been named the University of Arkansas' Title IX coordinator, the campus official whose job duties include ensuring a prompt and equitable response to student complaints of sexual assault.
Farrar, a 2013 graduate of UA's School of Law, begins his new role July 25. He becomes the sixth person at UA to serve as Title IX coordinator since 2014. Farrar replaces Danielle Wood, who will continue as director of UA's Office of Equal Opportunity and Compliance.
Federal investigators in May opened two cases looking into UA's handling of student complaints under Title IX, the federal regulation prohibiting sex-based discrimination at schools receiving federal funding.
The U.S. Department of Education has emphasized that, under Title IX, colleges must react appropriately to sexual violence and harassment complaints. Schools are responsible for not allowing a sexually hostile environment that would limit the ability of students to benefit from university programs.
The regulation also requires every school to have a Title IX coordinator. UA spokesman Steve Voorhies wrote in an email that previous Title IX coordinators at UA had other responsibilities, some leaving the Title IX role to focus on other jobs at the university.
However, Farrar "is a 100% appointment focused solely on Title IX coordination," Voorhies wrote.
Most recently, Farrar worked as a staff attorney in Springdale for Legal Aid of Arkansas Inc. He also worked as a law clerk for UA's Office of General Counsel from June 2013-July 2014, according to a resume submitted with application materials. In an application letter, Farrar highlighted his UA working experience.
"I conducted research relating to all areas that affected the University of Arkansas. I have worked on cases involving Title IX compliance, non-compliance with student code of conduct policies, faculty policies, and numerous policy revisions," Farrar wrote. He added that in addition to legal research and drafting memos, he "regularly worked" with UA community members on "various issues of compliance."
Farrar earned bachelor's and master's degrees in political science from UA. His salary will be $70,000.
"Title IX issues have presented challenges to universities across the country, and I am looking forward to the opportunity to show that the U of A is a leader in providing fair and equitable treatment for everyone who is involved in these important issues," Farrar said in a statement released Friday.
Metro on 07/16/2016