BOONE—Following a national search, Sonyé Randolph has been hired to serve as Appalachian State University’s first full-time Equal Opportunity/Title IX investigator in the Office of Equity, Diversity and Compliance (EDC). She began her duties Jan. 19.

The position reports to Bindu Jayne, associate vice chancellor for equity, diversity and compliance, who also is the university’s Title IX coordinator.

Prior to joining the Appalachian community, Randolph worked for Guilford County Schools. Through the North Carolina Justice Center, she worked on employment discrimination issues for persons with criminal histories. In conjunction with NC Legal Aid, Randolph oversaw legal clinics for persons with criminal histories. In addition, Randolph has worked for various N.C. local governments and non-profit agencies on housing and economic development issues, and as an intern in Congressman Alcee Hastings’ Washington, D.C., office.

Jayne said, “We are delighted to have Sonyé on the EDC team. Her educational portfolio is distinguished, and her work in legal services, civic engagement and community outreach give her a solid foundation for this position.”

As the Equal Opportunity/Title IX investigator, Randolph will conduct prompt, neutral and thorough investigations of Title IX or employment discrimination complaints and provide a detailed, unbiased report regarding the findings.

Randolph holds a bachelor’s degree in public policy analysis and economics from UNC Chapel Hill, a master’s degree in public affairs from UNC Greensboro, and a juris doctorate from North Carolina Central University School of Law. She has completed doctoral coursework in public policy at UNC Charlotte.

Title IX of the United States Education Amendments of 1972 is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs and activities. Discrimination on the basis of sex can include sexual harassment or sexual violence, such as rape, sexual assault, sexual battery and sexual coercion. Title IX applies to all public and private elementary and secondary schools, school districts, colleges and universities.

To contact Randolph, call the EDC Office at 828-262-2144 or email [email protected].

About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, affordable education for all. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.

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