To mark Title IX’s 50th anniversary, The University of Toledo is hosting a panel discussion from 12:45 to 2 p.m. Thursday, June 23, in the Grogan Room at Savage Arena.

Though registration is closed, members of the media are invited to cover the event, which kicks off a year-long celebration of Title IX’s 50^th anniversary.

A federal law signed on June 23, 1972, Title IX prohibits discrimination based on sex or gender in any educational institution that receives federal funding. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 states, “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.”

“The University of Toledo and the Title IX Office work to create a campus environment that results in student success, employee advancement and access to opportunities based on individual merit, ability and potential, without fear of sex discrimination, sexual harassment and retaliation,” said Vicky Kulicke, UToledo director of Title IX and compliance and Title IX coordinator. “With the 50th anniversary, we want to continue to highlight the importance of federal protections like Title IX. We want folks to think of the 50th anniversary as less of an ‘event’ and more of a dedicated and continuous effort.”

Moderated by Valerie Walston, interim vice president for student affairs, the featured panelists include:

• Malaika Bell, interim executive director for diversity, equity and inclusion;
• Kelly Andrews, senior associate athletic director;
• Karen Bjorkman, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs;
• Vicky Kulicke, director of Title IX and compliance and Title IX coordinator; and
• Kennedy Lovell, student-athlete.

The UToledo Title IX Office and campus partners in the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, UToledo Athletics and Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion have formed a planning committee for a year-long celebration of the historic event.