Protecting Students, Promoting Safety: A Conversation with UofL Title IX Director Tim Beam

April was recognized as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, a time dedicated to increasing public understanding of sexual violence and promoting strategies for prevention. At the University of Louisville, it served as an important opportunity to highlight the ongoing work being done to create a safe and respectful campus environment. Tim Beam, who has served as the Title IX Director for the past six months, plays a key role in leading those efforts. In this timely and relevant interview, Beam shares insights into his responsibilities, how Title IX protects students, and the initiatives underway to prevent sexual assault and support survivors.

Title IX is a federal law that protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs and activities. For those who may not be familiar, can you explain what Title IX means on a college campus and what your role as Title IX Director involves?

On a college campus, Title IX helps ensure that students and staff are protected from discrimination, harassment, and violence based on their sex. It covers various areas, including admissions, athletics, employment, and access to education. My role as Title IX Director is to oversee the University’s response to reports of sex-based misconduct and sexual discrimination, ensure our policies comply with federal regulations, conduct and manage investigations, coordinate training and prevention efforts, and promote a campus culture of respect and fairness.

You’ve been in your role as Title IX Director for six months now—what have been some of the key priorities or initiatives you’ve focused on during this early period?

During my first six months, I have focused on several foundational priorities: strengthening the reporting and response process to ensure clarity and accessibility for students and staff; building stronger partnerships with campus and community resources; and reviewing existing policies and procedures to align with current federal guidelines. We have also launched a comprehensive review of our Title IX training program to better tailor it to the diverse needs of our campus community.

Title IX can be a complex and evolving area of law. What are some common misconceptions you encounter about Title IX and how it works in a university setting?

One common misconception is that Title IX only applies to athletics. Title IX has done wonders for women in sports; however, Title IX covers all aspects of education, including academics, housing, and campus safety. Another is the belief that Title IX only protects women, when in fact it protects all individuals from sex-based discrimination. Finally, there is also an assumption that a Title IX investigation is the same as a criminal investigation.Title IX investigations are administrative, focused on determining if the University's policy on sexual misconduct has been violated, using the preponderance of the evidence standard. Criminal investigations, conducted by law enforcement, aim to determine if a crime has been committed, requiring proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

Many people may not realize that Title IX also covers issues like sexual assault and harassment. Can you talk about how Title IX helps protect students in these situations and what steps the university takes when a report is made?

Title IX provides a framework for addressing incidents of sexual harassment, assault, dating violence, and stalking. When an initial report is made, my first step is to reach out to the complainant (individual the conduct was directed at) and explain what supportive measures and formal reporting options are available. If a formal complaint is filed, the University then conducts a prompt, thorough, and impartial investigation. We also ensure supportive measures are available to all parties—such as academic accommodations, counseling referrals, no-contact orders, and changes to housing or class schedules—regardless of whether a formal complaint is filed. Our ultimate goal is to ensure safety and provide an efficient and fair resolution. 

With your background in civil rights and public service, how do you make sure that everyone involved in a Title IX case is treated fairly and that the process is balanced for all sides?

Fairness is fundamental to our process. We ensure that both complainants and respondents are provided with the same rights and opportunities throughout the Title IX process, including access to evidence, the ability to be accompanied by an advisor, and the chance to participate meaningfully in the investigation and hearing. Neutrality is critical, and the Title IX Office is committed to transparency, due process, and respectful communication with both parties throughout.

Sexual assault prevention and response are central components of Title IX. What strategies are you implementing or strengthening at UofL to address these issues and support survivors?

Sexual assault is under reported, and we are working to improve this issue by increasing our outreach to student groups, particularly those underrepresented or at higher risk, and are working with staff to integrate Title IX awareness into a broader campus dialogue. We also  will continue to work to expand our prevention education programs, including partnering with our bystander intervention program (Green Dot). To support survivors, we have strengthened partnerships with our local advocacy groups to ensure a holistic, survivor-centered care is always accessible.

How can members of the campus community—students, faculty, and staff—play an active role in preventing sexual violence and supporting a safe, respectful environment for all?

Everyone has a role in creating a respectful campus culture. Sexual violence is simply a community issue that requires collective action, education, and ongoing support. Students, faculty, and staff can take an active part by participating in training, intervening safely as bystanders, knowing how to report concerns, and fostering open conversations about consent, respect, and inclusion. Promoting a culture of accountability start with everyday actions and is all our responsibility.

You also work closely with UofL Athletics to ensure compliance with NCAA Title IX regulations. Can you talk about what that collaboration looks like and how equity in athletics is monitored?

Our collaboration with UofL Athletics had been incredibly positive and involves ongoing evaluation of a variety of areas, including participation opportunities, scholarship allocation, facilities, and overall support for men's and women’s sports. We work together to review data, identify potential disparities, and ensure compliance with both Title IX and NCAA requirements. Regular training and open communication channels between our offices help all our student-athletes have equitable opportunities to thrive.

Looking ahead, what do you see as the biggest challenges and opportunities in advancing a culture of safety, inclusion, and accountability on campus?

A major challenge is ensuring that every member of the campus understands what Title IX is, what it is not, and how it affects them. Misinformation and stigma can prevent people from coming forward or participating fully in the process. At the same time, we have a powerful opportunity to cultivate a reporting culture through education and engagement. There is an opportunity to increase awareness of these issues and create a culture in which members of our campus community look out for one another.