Law school program to address sexual harassment, discrimination issues

UB Athletic Director Mark M. Alnutt, along with three other local experts on sexual harassment and discrimination issues, will present “Playing by the Rules: Sexual Harassment and Discrimination Issues in Employment, Education and Athletics” from 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 3.

Organized in conjunction with Hodgson Russ LLP, the program will take place at the law firm’s offices at 140 Pearl St. in downtown Buffalo and will feature Elizabeth D. McPhail, a partner in the firm who represents both public- and private-sector employers on a full range of labor and employment-related issues.

Other presenters include Kathleen M. Twist, senior associate athletic director for sports administration in UB’s Division of Athletics, and Helen “Nellie” Drew, a faculty expert in sports law in the UB School of Law.

The three-hour seminar will address federal and New York laws that govern discrimination in education, employment and athletics, with special emphasis on Title IX.

Participants will discuss the continuing evolution in the focus of Title IX in sexual harassment incidents, as well as the newly enacted New York State requirement of employer training in sexual harassment and discrimination.

The practical implications of developing and implementing appropriate policies in the context of federal, state and NCAA regulation also will be explored, and the program will incorporate hands-on interactive audience participation with senior UB Athletics administrators.  

“This is a unique time for the intersection of education, employment and athletics,” says Drew. “In the wake of the #MeToo movement, as New York State begins implementation of a new requirement that all employers provide training about sexual harassment and discrimination, it is especially important to be cognizant of the rights of and obligations to student-athletes and employees.

“The recent reports of sexual harassment and assault at Ohio State upon male student athletes serves as a potent reminder that it is not only women who are at risk,” she notes. “We are proud that the University at Buffalo, and especially UB Athletics, the recipient of the NCAA and Minority Opportunities Athletic Association’s 2018 Award for Diversity and Inclusion, continue to lead the charge in creating and maintaining a culture of inclusivity and respect for all.”

The program is aimed at attorneys, education administrators and athletic directors. Experienced attorneys may earn 3.0 New York State Continuing Legal Education (NYS CLE) credits; 2.0 in the area of Diversity, Inclusion and Elimination of Bias, and 1.0 in the area of Skills. Newly admitted attorneys may earn 1.0 NYS CLE credit in the area of Skills.

Further information including registration details is available on the law school’s website.