Fordham University has announced that Elizabeth Fanelli has been appointed as the new Title IX Coordinator as of Monday, Jan. 27 2025. With a background in law and higher education, Fanelli brings her experience to help support the university’s efforts to prevent and address gender-based violence and discrimination. Her new role at Fordham is full circle for Fanelli, as her career began in the Bronx.

“[I worked] as a prosecutor in the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Bureau at the Bronx District Attorney’s Office for 11 years,” she said. In this role, she gained proficiency in managing delicate, serious cases. This experience inspired her to pursue a career in higher education, which eventually moved her into academia to serve as the equity and compliance investigator and deputy Title IX Coordinator at Ramapo College of New Jersey. 

At Ramapo College, she worked to prevent violence and prejudice. “I wanted to use the specialized skills I developed as a prosecutor to work on educating students in gender-based discrimination and violence,” Fanelli explained.

Her decision to join Fordham was driven by an alignment between the location and her values.“I was excited about the position at Fordham because it was a chance to return to the Bronx and to continue educating people on the prevention of gender-based discrimination and violence,” Fanelli said. “I was also very drawn by the opportunity to work within a Jesuit institution, one which aligns very closely with my personal and professional values.”

As Title IX Coordinator, Fanelli’s main goal for this academic year is to continue Fordham’s existing Title IX and Campus Assault and Relationship Education (CARE) processes while also finding new ways to strengthen and expand these programs to better meet the needs of the community. 

“The Fordham community is very fortunate in that the Title IX and CARE processes, particularly in the area of the Administrative Support Persons (ASPs), are already well established,” she said. “I am looking forward to understanding the existing training programs for students, faculty, and staff, and then determining the best ways to enhance Fordham’s programs.” 

A key part of her role is to support students who are going through the Title IX and CARE processes. “I want students to know that I am here to support them: both students who are filing complaints and those who have complaints filed against them,” Fanelli said. “So I can ensure that we are having the right discussions with the community and providing the proper education to address those issues.”

It’s important for Fanelli that all students feel heard and respected regardless of their position in the process. She prioritizes creating a supportive, confidential environment where students can feel comfortable and empowered to make informed decisions. 

Fanelli says she is dedicated to working with students to better understand their concerns and make sure the right education and resources are in place to address any issues they face.“I prefer to work collaboratively with students to understand the specific issues they face regarding gender-based violence and discrimination, so I can ensure that we are having the right discussions with the community and providing the proper education to address those issues,” she said. 

Fanelli is committed to supporting the Fordham community and is eager to work with students, faculty and staff. She is passionate about using her expertise to make a positive impact and ensure that all members of the community feel supported.