Spring Update on UMBC’s Settlement Agreement with the DOJ

Dear UMBC Community,

I am writing to provide an update on our efforts following UMBC’s 2024 agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to strengthen and expand initiatives for preventing and responding to reports of sexual misconduct and sex discrimination under Title IX. The agreement followed a lengthy investigation by the DOJ that found systemic failures in the university’s Title IX compliance between 2015 and 2020. 

The agreement is in effect through the 2028 – 29 academic year and commits us to taking many steps to bolster our Title IX office and its work, provide specific support for student-athletes and the Athletics Department, expand training for all members of the community, and provide financial relief to certain individuals, as determined and directed by the DOJ. 

The update provided here shares a report of progress since the fall 2025 update. As required by the agreement, UMBC submitted its fourth monitoring report to the DOJ this winter. The university has fully implemented all of the initial provisions of the agreement and remains in the monitoring phase of the agreement. Thus, the work that we continue to do goes above and beyond what is required under the agreement. It is not the agreement that drives our work, but rather our commitment to uphold the highest standards of care, safety, integrity, and accountability for our campus community. 

Our recent work includes:

• Increased engagement with our Coordinated Community Response Team to receive feedback on policies, procedures, programming, coordination, and communication efforts;
• Successful implementation of mandatory Title IX training for students and employees;
• Expansion of specialized education and training efforts to include offerings for those designated as confidential resources;
• Targeted support and resources for student-athletes; and
• Integrated use of restorative practices as an informal resolution method as appropriate.

The Office of Equity and Civil Rights (ECR) in particular bears a significant load of this work.  And, none of this is possible without the dedicated staff who work tirelessly across campus to uphold our commitment. Thanks to the many campus partners who continue to engage and support these efforts.  

Sincerely,

Tanyka M. Barber
Vice President for Institutional Equity and Chief Diversity Officer