The Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity named Ebony Manning the new University Title IX coordinator, according to a Jan. 26 Today@Brown announcement.
Manning comes to the University from Connecticut College, where she was the associate dean for equity and compliance programs and Title IX coordinator. Prior to her tenure at Connecticut College, Manning received a law degree and a master’s of law focused on international and comparative sports law and a master’s degree in sociology. Before working in higher education, Manning spent 12 years in the field of social services, an experience that shaped her approach to Title IX.
“A lot of my work (in social services) focused on helping individuals who have experienced all sorts of trauma,” Manning wrote in an email to The Herald. “I’ve learned that you have to deal with the human that’s in front of you — the whole human … I bring that approach to Title IX.”
To Manning, this approach includes “offering support such as counseling services, advocacy, etc., to an individual in addition to the work that is being done at the Title IX Office.”
Alongside her Title IX experience, Manning brings a “holistic approach” to campus, which entails focusing “on a person’s wellness and not just their current illness, condition or situation,” she wrote.
“I understand Title IX laws and regulations, but I also understand and appreciate that there is a human being who has experienced something traumatic,” Manning wrote. “And they need support and guidance.”
At Brown, Manning hopes to continue her initiatives from Connecticut College, including working “very closely with (Brown) Athletics and student-athletes, international students and students of color on different Title IX and sexual prevention initiatives.”
Juana De Los Santos, assistant vice president of equal opportunity and diversity at the OIED, wrote in an email to The Herald that the office “is delighted to have Ebony on board and excited for the growth that she will bring to Title IX.”
De Los Santos noted that Manning “brings a wealth of knowledge, a deep understanding of the work and a people-focused approach that speaks volumes about her commitment to this body of work.”
Institutional Equity Investigator Jeana Horton served as interim Title IX Coordinator at the University during the search, The Herald previously reported. Horton also chaired the search committee that selected Manning, according to the Jan. 26 announcement.
“Ebony approaches this work in a thoughtful and compassionate manner,” Horton wrote in an email to The Herald. “I am confident Ebony will build meaningful relationships with the campus community and partners across different departments.”
Horton wrote that Manning “demonstrated her knowledge about Title IX and a strong commitment to the field” in the search process and during interviews.
Manning, who arrives on campus this month, looks forward to her tenure at Brown, especially meeting community members and developing her personal skillset.
“I believe in pushing and challenging myself, always moving forward,” she added. “I believe I can do that here at Brown.”
Neil Mehta is the editor-in-chief and president of the Brown Daily Herald's 134th editorial board. They study public health and statistics at Brown. Outside the office, you can find Neil baking and playing Tetris.
