Harrison Blythe named interim Title IX coordinator
Harrison Blythe, director of compliance and conflict resolution for Virginia Tech’s Office for Equity and Accessibility (OEA), has been named interim Title IX coordinator. Blythe will assume his new role on Aug. 16 while continuing with his current position responsibilities.
His appointment as interim Title IX coordinator follows the announcement that Katie Polidoro, current Title IX coordinator, will be leaving her position and relocating.
“We appreciate Katie’s many contributions nearly 10 years in Title IX work,” said Kelly Oaks, associate vice president for Equity and Accessibility. “She has led the charge on changing the university’s culture around sexual violence and harassment prevention, laying a strong foundation for others to build upon. We can’t thank her enough for her uncompromising care for the campus community and her unwavering approach toward OEA’s mission to promote a learning and working environment free from harassment and discrimination.”
Blythe, a member of the Virginia Tech community since 2019, currently oversees the university’s response to reports and complaints under the university’s Policy 1025: Policy on Harassment, Discrimination, and Sexual Assault. Also, as deputy Title IX coordinator, he coordinates the response to reports and complaints against university employees of sex- and gender-based harassment and violence.
As the interim Title IX coordinator, Blythe will lead all Title IX compliance efforts for the university. Through a comprehensive compliance and education program, he will manage and oversee the response, investigation, and resolution of reports of sexual misconduct. Blythe will also provide leadership oversight to staff who provide support measures, conduct investigations, and provide secondary prevention education to the campus community.
“Harrison is a tireless advocate for students and employees, and he will provide continued strong leadership to our university and OEA,” Oaks said.
Blythe has had an extensive career in civil rights law. While earning his JD degree at Case Western Reserve University School of Law, he worked as a law clerk at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Upon graduation and passing the bar exam, he worked as an attorney at the Chandra Law Firm, LLC, and later joined the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights as an attorney in OCR’s enforcement office in Cleveland, Ohio. While there, he evaluated, investigated, and resolved cases involving alleged violations of civil rights law, including Title IX, Title VI, and Section 504.
“As Virginia Tech’s interim Title IX coordinator, I am dedicated to addressing discrimination based on sex with seriousness, compassion, and respect,” said Blythe. “It is an honor to serve in this role and work alongside amazing leaders across the university to support the success and well-being of our campus community.”
Blythe will work closely with Polidoro to accomplish a smooth transition in leadership before her departure in September. A search for Virginia Tech’s next Title IX coordinator is underway.
