Farrar Named U of A Title IX Coordinator

Russell Cothren

Tyler Farrar, U of A Title IX coordinator

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Springdale attorney Tyler Farrar, a University of Arkansas alumnus and graduate of the School of Law, has been named as the new Title IX Coordinator for the University of Arkansas, effective Monday, July 25. 

Title IX is a federal law that prohibits any form of discrimination based on a person's gender. This specifically means that Title IX prohibits incidents such as: sexual assault/misconduct, sexual harassment, domestic/dating violence, stalking, discrimination based on pregnancy, and other factors. Title IX requires that a university, once informed, must review and respond to these incidents.

Farrar graduated from the U of A School of Law and worked as a law clerk in the university’s Office of General Counsel and focused on student-related judicial issues. He was previously a staff attorney with Legal Aid of Arkansas Inc. in Springdale, where he represented clients in a wide variety of sensitive legal matters, including domestic relations and abuse, consumer rights and criminal defense. This experience prepares him to work with faculty, staff, and students during Title IX investigations.

Farrar will lead a team of four deputy Title IX coordinators. In addition to investigations their goals will be to strengthen the U of A’s outreach, training, resources for reporting and prevention programs for faculty, staff and students in the areas of sexual assault, sexual harassment, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking.    

The Title IX Coordinator reports to the Office of the Chancellor, and the Title IX office will be housed in the Administration Building, until a more central and accessible location is found on campus.  

“The University of Arkansas has chosen to address the problem of sexual misconduct proactively through education and awareness, and we are redoubling our efforts in this regard,” said Chancellor Joseph E. Steinmetz. “We are emphasizing the connection between alcohol abuse and sexual misconduct, and encouraging students to step up and take action when they perceive a dangerous situation unfolding.

“I am pleased that Tyler will join the U of A at this critical juncture. His background and experience working with domestic violence cases will serve him well in this position. Sexual violence is a national problem, but we are marshaling our resources to do the best we can to provide a safe and supportive environment at the university, one where all of our students can learn and thrive,” Steinmetz said.

“I am honored that the University of Arkansas has chosen me for this position,” said Farrar. “Title IX issues have presented challenges to universities across the country, and I am looking forward to the opportunity to show that the U of A is a leader in providing fair and equitable treatment for everyone who is involved in these important issues.

“I love the University of Arkansas and am pleased that I can serve the institution where I received a great education.”

Farrar earned a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in political science in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences before entering the School of Law.