A former Norwich University employee has filed a lawsuit against the school, alleging violations of Title IX, the federal law that prohibits discrimination based on sex in educational programs and activities.
Norwich University’s administration issued a statement that categorically denies the claims by, Elizabeth Kennedy, a former Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations.
Office of Communications spokesman Marc Kolb declined The Guidon’s request for an interview and provided only a prepared statement below.
“We have reviewed the complaint filed in this matter,” the statement emailed to The Guidon said. “Norwich University disputes the allegations raised by Ms. Kennedy. Her claims are wholly meritless. We expect to vigorously defend the matter and prevail.”
According to Pamela Koppelmann, chief compliance officer, the university’s current policy is thorough and aligns with Title IX rules, which prohibit discrimination based on sex while affording due process to all parties involved.
“When the Title IX Office receives a report, we do outreach to the complainant and discuss the process and resources available,” Koppelmann wrote in an email to The Guidon.
“A complainant can choose not to take any action and just receive the support of available resources,” Koppelmann’s statement said. “Also, it is not necessary for a complainant to file a formal complaint to receive support services and resources.”
However, Koppelmann clarified that even if a complainant decides not to pursue a formal complaint, the university may still be obligated to initiate a formal resolution process based on the report. Nevertheless, the complainant is not required to participate in the resolution process, although the university’s ability to enforce policies or provide remedies may be limited.
Amidst the legal proceedings, Norwich’s Faculty Senate has expressed its commitment to shared governance – the process by which faculty and administrators share responsibility for reaching decisions on policy and procedure.
Carl Martin, an associate professor of English and Faculty Senate chair, speaking on behalf of the Senate’s executive committee, emphasized that shared governance reduces the likelihood of misinformation, misjudgment and abuse while strengthening and sustaining a healthy institutional culture.
“If the legal process reveals that the [lawsuit’s] allegations have merit, the actions described betray the guiding values of the university and may also constitute serious violations of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972,” Martin wrote in an email to The Guidon, which asked the senate how such lawsuits might impact the school’s fiscal situation.
The Faculty Senate has expressed its eagerness to work collaboratively and transparently with the new leadership of the school president, Lt. General John Broadmeadow, to advance Norwich University’s academic mission.
Former president Mark Anarumo, in an email to The Guidon seeking comments, expressed shock at the allegations leveled against him personally in Kennedy’s lawsuit.
“I was thus surprised when the question was about Ms. Kennedy’s suit, for which I had no knowledge until that moment,” Anarumo said.
“At first, I didn’t believe it since Ms. Kennedy and I worked very closely together, and I thought we enjoyed a mutually supportive relationship.”
Anarumo said that Kennedy never provided a negative comment about Anarumo or anything he had ever said or done. Kennedy was his first promotion after his arrival, and he gave her every level of empowerment and support while he was president.
“For her to disparage me the way she has, and for her now to say she was working against my work and initiatives the entire time I was supporting her, is quite a gut punch,” Anarumo said.
“I cannot speak to anything that happened after my departure on 6 January, and it would be inappropriate for me to use conjecture as to why decisions have been made since my departure. This really has been a tragic turn of events for all involved.”
The lawsuit was filed in Washington County in late April.
The Guidon contacted Kennedy by telephone for comment but did not receive a response by the time of publication.
