National Title IX Experts Guest-teach Constitutional Law Students
Students in The University of New Mexico’s Constitutional Law (Rights) class received an unexpected educational opportunity when two of the nation’s leading Title IX experts visited as guest online speakers.
Dan Schorr and Alyssa-Rae McGinn, co-hosts of the nationally recognized Title IX Podcast, met with students to discuss how Title IX protects individuals from gender-based discrimination and harassment in educational settings. Their unannounced visit was arranged by Lawrence R. Jones, a UNM visiting lecturer, pre-law advisor and former judge in the Department of Political Science.
Earlier in the semester, Jones assigned several episodes of the Title IX Podcast to help students understand how federal Civil Rights laws function in practice, particularly in relation to equal protection under the 14th Amendment. The in-person visit gave students the rare chance to connect those legal principles to real investigative work and case analysis.
Under the 14th Amendment, individuals are entitled to equal protection under the law. Building on that foundation, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employment discrimination, while Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 bars sex-based discrimination in schools receiving federal funding. Together, these laws form the basis for many modern cases involving sexual harassment, workplace equity and gender rights.
Schorr is a nationally respected former criminal prosecutor with more than 25 years of experience investigating sexual misconduct, Civil Rights violations and fraud. He now focuses on Title IX investigations, policy reviews and compliance training for K–12 and higher education institutions.
McGinn brings similar expertise as an investigator, hearing chair and mediator, specializing in complex cases involving sexual misconduct and identity-based harassment in educational settings.
Their presentations were joined by Heather Jaramillo, UNM director of Equal Opportunity and ADA coordinator, and Beck Rivera, J.D., the university’s new Title IX coordinator. Both detailed how UNM handles investigations, training and prevention to ensure compliance with federal Civil Rights laws.
“Title IX for me means ensuring equal access and opportunity for students, faculty, staff and participants, regardless of their gender,” Jaramillo told the class, noting that many students first encounter Title IX through athletics but are often surprised to learn how much broader the law is.
She added that misconceptions can discourage people from reporting concerns when they arise. “Our primary goal isn’t to go after the accused — it’s to make sure the person who’s impacted gets access to resources and support so they can continue their education or career.”
Jones said he coordinated the surprise visit to help students see how constitutional principles translate into real legal practice.
“Many of UNM’s undergraduate Constitutional Law students plan to pursue law school or graduate school,” Jones said. “Bringing national leaders directly into the classroom gives them invaluable practical insight.”
The visit concluded with an open Q&A session, where students asked about investigative ethics, due process protections and how institutions balance the needs of complainants and respondents.
Jones said events like these demonstrate the value of combining academic study with professional expertise, inspiring students to pursue careers in law and public service.