Meghann Anderson
Staff writer

Sabrina Dial, director of equal opportunity, is leaving the University today to become deputy director for the Tennessee Human Rights Commission in Nashville.

Cami Duffy, compliance coordinator, will be interim director until a permanent administrator is hired.

Dial said Duffy’s commitments will increase to being responsible for all aspects of the University’s compliance to federal and state laws, regulations and university policies and procedures as it relates to affirmative action and equal opportunity.

The Office of Equal Opportunity protects students, faculty and staff against discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status and sexual orientation.

President Randy Dunn said he wants the Commission on Diversity and Inclusion, to think about a re-conceptualization of the job as a chief diversity officer.

The commission is one of three created by Dunn, which also include improvements to campus sustainability and student retention.

“I think there’s an opportunity for us to be more proactive and instead of worrying about compliance and doing investigations, have time to be more attuned to looking at some proactive and affirmative strategies that will help the University reach out,” Dunn said.

The commission’s goal is to safeguard individuals from discrimination through enforcement and education.

Over the last 10 years, Dial has maintained several positions within the University.

The Office of Equal Opportunity director serves as a liaison capacity to the Commission on Diversity and Inclusion.

Dial worked with Duffy earlier this week to transition her into the temporary position.

Contact Anderson at [email protected].