Linda Smolak, professor emerita of psychology, has been named the interim Title IX coordinator at Kenyon.
President Sean Decatur appointed Smolak, who taught at Kenyon for 30 years. She will be the contact for students, faculty and staff who are victims, witnesses or informed of acts of sexual assault, sexual harassment, or sex discrimination. Smolak fills the role of Mariam El-Shamaa, former director of equal opportunity.
“We take very seriously the responsibility of protecting the Kenyon community from sexual misconduct of any kind,” Decatur said. “I have great confidence in Linda Smolak, a much-respected teacher whose scholarly work speaks to developmental psychology and women’s and gender studies.”
Smolak will work part time as the College begins a search for a full-time Title IX coordinator.
El-Shamaa took on the responsibility for federal Title IX compliance during the 2011-12 school year after the Obama administration placed an emphasis on addressing sexual misconduct at colleges.
The law, Smolak said, protects women, men, and those who are gay, bisexual and transgender. The job is “near to my heart,” Smolak said. “This is an issue that is really important to me. Kenyon will continue to develop the commitment to a safe and welcoming campus.”
Efforts by El-Shamaa and Samantha Hughes, director of the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, have helped to educate students about their role in combating misconduct, Smolak said.
“We still probably have some work to do for that broader Kenyon community, so that faculty and staff know all of their rights and responsibilities,” Smolak said. Kenyon employees, with the exception of counselors and clergy, are obligated to report sexual misconduct, Smolak noted.
“I will take complaints about sexual discrimination, sexual assault and sexual harassment,” she said. “I take the complaint and I help to identify a pathway to a solution. I do not necessarily do all of the investigating. I help determine where the complaint should go. If a complaint is, under Ohio law, a sexual assault, we do have to call the sheriff’s office.”
Smolak is available at any time for anyone who is in distress. To reach Smolak, email smolak@kenyon.edu or call 740-501-8457.
“I am happy to be working with students again,” she said, “especially since it does not involve grading.”