Family News

Year in Review: Office of Equity and Title IX

This year, the Office of Equity and Title IX made significant strides in advancing its mission. With the successful hiring of three new team members, the office expanded its capacity to serve the community further. It reached its goals for the Student Title IX Survey 2024, gathering valuable insights to shape future campus climate initiatives. Additionally, the team implemented the new 2024 Title IX regulations, ensuring compliance and strengthening campus safety for all.

NEW TEAM MEMBERS

Thanks to the support of Berklee’s leadership, our Equity and Title IX office has expanded its team. Leadership’s commitment marks a crucial step toward enhancing Berklee's dedication to providing everyone with a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning and working environment.

In addition to Sarah Onori, assistant vice president of Equity and Title IX Coordinator, and Amanda Bedford, deputy of Intake and Support, we are excited to welcome three new additions to our team: Candice Carrington, Kristen Beck, and Xotchil Martinez. Each new team member brings a wealth of experience and dedication to ensuring that equity and Title IX are at the forefront of everything we do. Their commitment will help us address challenges, advocate for all voices, and continue building a community where everyone feels valued and heard.

Candice Carrington, Deputy for Equity and Title IX Investigations

Candice Carrington graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies and a minor in Sociology. She earned her Juris Doctor degree from New England Law Boston after completing three years of law school. Carrington is a member of the Massachusetts Bar and a Commonwealth of Massachusetts-trained mediator. As the Deputy for Equity and Title IX Investigations, Carrington is committed to conducting fair, thorough, and impartial investigations of complaints involving sexual misconduct, intimate partner violence, stalking, and identity-based discrimination and harassment. 

Prior to working at Berklee, Carrington worked as an associate attorney at two law firms and as an investigator at the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) and Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) where she developed her passion for investigations. She brings with her over three years of experience managing, responding to, investigating, and resolving reports of identity-based discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and other misconduct, as well as drafting thorough reports of her investigations. In her downtime, Carrington enjoys traveling, painting, reading, and trying new restaurants and activities.

Kristen Beck, Deputy Title IX Coordinator

Kristen Beck earned her Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies and Peace and Conflict Studies from the University of Utah, followed by her Juris Doctor from the same institution. While in law school, she focused her studies on international human rights and civil rights law and worked for organizations passionate about protecting these fundamental rights. However, her internship at the Office of Equity at Utah State University (USU) solidified her passion for Title IX work. 

Following law school, Beck worked as a Title IX Investigator at Utah Valley University before rejoining USU as a Deputy Title IX Coordinator. At USU, she investigated allegations of sexual misconduct among students, faculty, staff, and third parties under USU’s Department of Justice Resolution Agreement. She also mediated agreements under the Informal Resolution Process and drafted policies and procedures for the university. As the Deputy Title IX Coordinator at Berklee, Beck will lead prevention education and training for the Berklee community. In her downtime, she enjoys hiking, drinking really good coffee, and listening to audiobooks. She is also on a mission to explore all of the National Parks in the United States.

Xotchil Martinez, Administrative and Project Coordinator

Xotchil Martinez graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Arts in English and holds a Master of Arts in English from the University of Massachusetts Boston. She has over five years of experience in higher education administration, supporting various departments and students throughout her career. 

Martinez is the first friendly face you'll see at the Equity office. Her current role at Berklee supports the Assistant Vice Presidents for Diversity & Inclusion and Equity and Title IX with document updates, project support, and office administration. Responsibilities include handling inquiries, supporting case management, preparing presentations, and maintaining communication channels. She enjoys traveling and keeping up to date with astrological forecasts. 

Thank you to Berklee’s leadership for this investment in our future, and we look forward to the positive impact this new team will bring!

STUDENT TITLE IX SURVEY 2024

In spring 2024, in compliance with state law, Berklee conducted a campus climate survey to gather information about students’ perceptions of our culture and experiences of sexual harassment, sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and stalking. A total of 8,178 Berklee students from every learning environment were invited to participate, with 1,153 students completing the survey (14 percent).

The information students shared through the survey is critical in helping to shape future actions to continually improve the campus culture and climate. Additional information on planned actions will be communicated this spring.  

Following a thorough analysis of the survey data, a summary of the results is now available: View Summary (PDF).

PROGRAMMING AND ENGAGEMENT

The Office of Equity and Title IX has made substantial progress this year, training over 2,000 students through its Equity and Title IX orientations and offering a diverse range of events, from passive programming to in-person trainings. 

The office has engaged with the Berklee community through informational tabling during Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) and Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) to raise awareness and promote a safer, more inclusive campus environment. Along with this, the office has hosted a variety of engaging events. Highlights included gathering participants for the Student Title IX 2024 survey, hosting passive programming such as "Chocolate Chats" to share healthy relationship advice and celebrating “World Kindness Day” to share ways we can spread kindness in our community. The office conducted Active Bystander Intervention Trainings designed for students to learn practical strategies and support those around them. We also introduced the fully staffed team at the “Here's the Equi-Tea! Meet the Equity and Title IX Team” event. Festive activities like a Halloween candy gathering at the office added a fun touch to our efforts. As finals approach this December, the office plans to share treats and hot cocoa with students to take a break and stay motivated. 

Looking ahead, the office is excited to expand its programming with new initiatives planned for the spring semester, continuing its mission to foster equity and support across campus.