Dylon Harrison
Staff Writer
People who find themselves victims of sexual harassment and assault often don’t know where to turn. In compliance with Title IX, ISU has taken steps to make sure members of the ISU community have someone to turn to in times of need.
At the beginning of the Fall 2017 semester, Matthew Wright became ISU’s first stand-alone Title IX Coordinator. The school has had a Title IX Coordinator in the past, but never one who held that position as their only job.
The decision to create a stand-alone Title IX Coordinator position came as the result of the expanding requirements of Title IX placed on schools.
Wright is available to all ISU students and faculty at any of ISU’s campuses, not just the main campus in Pocatello.
As Title IX Coordinator, Wright has three main areas for which he’s primarily responsible.
The first is to be a resource to get whatever sort of help is needed for victims of sex crimes. The second is to teach and meet with students to talk about these issues, and the third is to oversee investigations on campus into sex crimes.
“I want to be like the one-stop-shopping person,” Wright said. “They can come to me, and if I can’t do it, we can work with others.”
His services are available for those who are sure they have been a victim of a sex crime, those who aren’t sure, as well as those who believe they might have committed a sex crime or are being accused of one.
Wright is able to reach out to the counseling center if someone feels as though they need help mentally. He is also able to contact professors to inform them if a student is dealing with an issue that might distract them from class. He can also contact Public Safety if someone feels unsafe and wants an escort.
“Some students will go to the Counseling Center on their own, but some students aren’t aware of what services there are,” Wright said.
Wright hopes to bring more attention to the services and rights Title IX gives to students.
“Part of what I want to do is do more education and outreach,” Wright said.
He hopes to begin making students aware of Title IX as early as New Student Orientation.
He also speaks to classes and clubs, primarily by invitation, but will also occasionally reach out to the groups.
Because his position is still new, Wright’s office is not yet finished and there are no marked room numbers or signs for his office.
The signs are planned to be up in a couple of weeks, but in the meantime, he encourages student to reach out to him if they have questions or would like to set up a meeting. Wright can be contacted via email or phone at ude.usinull@ttamgirw or at (208) 282-1439.
“I want to be available to students,” he said.
