Civil rights attorney Kathleen Salvaty hired as new Title IX officer

A civil rights attorney who worked on police reform and increasing public school funding will take over Monday as UCLA’s new Title IX officer, officials said Thursday.

Kathleen Salvaty, an attorney at Venice-based law firm Thomas, Alexander and Forrester, was hired because of her experience working as a litigator and civil rights advocate, and her expertise includes resolving anti-discrimination cases under both state and federal statutes.

Prior to Thomas, Alexander and Forrester, Salvaty worked for the Advancement Project, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit, where she oversaw police reform and helped create a $4.1 billion state bond fund to build more schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District and surrounding areas.

Title IX prohibits gender-based discrimination in educational institutions that receive federal funds. Title IX officers process campuswide complaints and reports of sexual harassment, violence and stalking. They also provide support for victims of assault.

UCLA has been under federal investigation for its compliance with Title IX policies since August.

The university’s Title IX officer position has been vacant since former officer Pamela Thomason left in November to oversee Title IX training and compliance training in the California State University system.

Salvaty will report to Kevin Reed, vice chancellor for legal affairs, until July 1, at which time she will report to Jerry Kang, who was selected as UCLA’s vice chancellor for equity, diversity and inclusion this week.

Reed said Salvaty will begin her appointment by reviewing current campus procedures in relation to Title IX.

Compiled by Sarah Marie Hambro, Bruin contributor.