Bernard Dufresne

Experience

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  Lincoln Square Legal Services

  Aug 2010 - May 2011

  Legal Intern
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  Advocates for Children of New York, Inc.

  Aug 2011 - Jul 2015

  Represent families of children with disabilities in administrative hearings to obtain appropriate special education services.Provide legal representation to address the needs of youth facing school suspensions and Manifestation Determination Reviews (MDRs).Engage in policy initiatives as a steering committee member of the Dignity-in-Schools Campaign, a citywide coalition of students, parents, advocates, educators and lawyers calling for positive, school-wide approaches to discipline that improve the school environment, reduce conflict, and increase learning. Show less

  • Staff Attorney, School Justice Project

    Aug 2012 - Jul 2015

  • Staff Attorney/Project Coordinator, Juvenile Justice Project

    Aug 2011 - Aug 2012
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  U.S. Department of Education

  Jul 2015 - Jan 2021

  Attorney

  Execute complex investigations regarding allegations of discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability and ageNegotiate resolution agreements with recipients and monitor compliance with implementation of resolution agreementsServe as mediator during Early Compliant Resolution to resolve pending complaints in a timely mannerProvide technical assistance to stakeholders

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  Fordham University School of Law

  Aug 2019 - Dec 2023

  Adjunct Professor

  Adjunct Professor in the Fundamental Lawyering Skills program. Students in the FLS program have the opportunity to learn the skills needed to be successful lawyers through: (a) participation in recorded simulations during the semester based on unique and challenging fact patterns; (b) performing a variety of lawyering skills in several different legal settings; and (c) analyzing their own performance and the performances of their classmates.

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  Pace University

  Feb 2021 - now

  Lead the Office of Institutional Equity & Title IX Compliance, which is responsible for ensuring equal opportunity and access to the University through vigorous enforcement of the civil rights.Serve as the University's Title IX Coordinator, which entails managing and overseeing the University's responses to Title IX, and sexual misconduct, and ensuring institutional compliance with federal and state sexual harassment laws.Provide Title IX training to investigators, decision makers, and facilitators of informal resolutions and oversee the Office of Sexual and Interpersonal Wellness. Review, draft and implement policies and procedures related to harassment, discrimination, sexual misconduct, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and other related policies. Show less Serve as a member of the President’s Senior Leadership Team (Operations Committee), providing leadership and strategic direction in supporting and nurturing a diverse, equitable and inclusive University community.Provide leadership to the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, which includes the The Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX Compliance, The Office of Sexual and Interpersonal Wellness, The Office of Multicultural Affairs, The LGBTQA+ Center and The Office of Gender and Sexuality. Lead the implementation, assessment, and revision as needed of the University’s Strategic Diversity Plan. Identifies and pursues opportunities to expand the University’s resources for initiatives consistent with that plan. Clarifies and assesses progress towards diversity goals.Oversee and, as appropriate, respond to reports of bias-related incidents in collaboration with appropriate University officials. Supervises and supports the executive director of the Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX compliance officer, in ensuring the University’s compliance with federal, state and local laws pertaining to non-discrimination and affirmative action, as well as related university policies.Collaborate with Enrollment Management on recruitment initiatives aimed at enhancing diversity in the student body. Works closely with Student Affairs to maintain a welcoming campus environment for all students Show less Serve as Title IX Coordinator for the University and coordinate the institution’s compliance with federal and state discrimination and sexual harassment laws. Oversee all Title IX complaints and reports of student sexual harassment, sexual violence, and related allegations of misconduct. Identify and address any systemic problems relating to complaints and works with other departments to ensure Title IX policies communicated to all constituencies.Serve as the primary University administrator responsible for the implementation and conduct of discrimination grievance procedures and all internal matters relating to claims of discrimination. These include (depending upon the terms of applicable procedures):A) responsibility for initial investigation claims and informal resolution attempts; andB) monitoring and coordinating investigations and informal resolution efforts undertaken by other supervisors, administrators, committees, and panels pursuant to such procedures.C) working closely with University Counsel, ensure that all University procedures are followed when advising all involved parties.D) reporting investigation findings and/or recommendations to the President and/or formal hearing committee (subject to required processes).Plan and coordinate in-house training programs related to affirmative action and discrimination for students, staff, faculty, including administrative and academic department heads and managers.Monitor legal developments and trends relating to affirmative action, discrimination, and institutional diversity.Serve in an advisory capacity to search committees and hiring supervisors on the latest developments in the equal opportunity area and on diversity-related resources. Show less

  • Assistant Vice President, Office of Institutional Equity & Title IX Compliance

    Aug 2023 - now

  • Interim Associate Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer

    Sept 2022 - Aug 2023

  • Executive Director, Office of Institutional Equity/Title IX Compliance

    Feb 2021 - Aug 2023