Title IX leader committed to tackling discrimination

By Brenna Perez

LOGOS STAFF WRITER

The director of the Title IX office at the University of the Incarnate Word credits his own experiences with discrimination for fueling his desire to ensure others don’t confront it.

As an individual who identifies as a part of the LGBTQ+, Matthew “Matt” Carpenter said he has encountered discrimination firsthand and is passionate about helping others facing similar challenges.

Title IX is the most commonly used name for the landmark federal civil rights law in the United States that was enacted as part of the Education Amendments of 1972. It prohibits sex-based discrimination in any school or any other education program that receives funding from the federal government. Carpenter is responsible for the oversight of Title IX compliance and sexual misconduct investigations.

Before becoming UIW’s Title IX director last Dec. 22 with the departure of Alexandria Salas Navey, Carpenter served two years as an investigator for the office and Human Resources. For a brief time, he served as Title IX’s director. Previously, he held the position of director of student advocacy and accountability at UIW.

Prior to joining UIW in 2019, he was assistant director for Student Conduct and Residence Life coordinator at Wichita (Kan.) State University. He also worked at the University of Oklahoma in Norman where he received his bachelor’s degree in human resources management and master’s in educational leadership and policy studies.

Having grown up in the Alamo City where he attended Central Catholic High School, he said San Antonio holds a special place in his heart, especially returning to family with a job here.

“San Antonio is home,” he said.

Carpenter said his transitioning from student advocacy to Title IX was driven by a combination of factors including his degree in human resources.

Moving to Title IX cases felt like a natural progression, he said.

“An investigator in Title IX works closely with human resources,” Carpenter said.

Moreover, Carpenter said he has always sought to challenge himself and continue his personal growth while working. Motivated by a longing for personal development and satisfaction, he said he actively pursued avenues that would enable him to push his limits while finding fulfillment in his professional endeavors.

“I want to enjoy what I am doing,” Carpenter said. “We are here to help you fully participate in whatever you want to do here.”

Besides his commitment to supporting individuals dealing with all forms of Title IX discrimination, Carpenter said what excites him most about his job is supervising staff, helping them to have meaningful experiences and facilitate their growth.

“(I like) helping those around me get experiences and skills to move on to their next challenges,” Carpenter said.