Mohammed Cato named EOO's new assistant director and deputy Title IX coordinator

Mohammed Cato has been named the new assistant director of the Equal Opportunity Office and deputy Title IX coordinator. He succeeds Laura Eckert, who served for six years in this position and recently relocated to the East Coast.

In this role, Cato will work with faculty, staff and students across the university to address concerns of illegal discrimination and harassment; manage the university’s Affirmative Action Plan; and provide leadership in ensuring compliance with Title IX, assisting in the coordination of Western’s efforts to prevent and effectively respond to sex discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual violence.

“We anticipate the many contributions Mohammed will make in this position, as Western continues moving forward in its strong commitment to ensuring a work and learning environment free from illegal discrimination and harassment,” said Sue Guenter-Schlesinger, vice provost for Equal Opportunity and Employment Diversity and Title IX and ADA coordinator.

Cato earned a bachelor’s degree in English and political science from the University of California, Irvine, and a master’s degree in urban studies from the University of California, Los Angeles. He also holds a juris doctorate from UCLA. Most recently, Cato has served as an assistant director of Residence Life, University Residences, at Western, where his responsibilities included providing leadership in responding to sexual harassment, sexual assault, discrimination, mental health concerns and domestic violence.

His professional experience prior to serving at Western includes his work with the Los Angeles Public Defender’s Office; coordinating the Ronald E. McNair Program at UC Irvine, a program aimed at recruiting low-income, first generation college students to graduate school; and serving as legislative consultant for the California State Legislature.

“Mohammed brings a wealth of professional experience, given his legal background and his higher education experience, especially as it relates to his extensive work with students from underrepresented groups. We are delighted to have him join the Equal Opportunity Office as Assistant Director,” Guenter-Schlesinger said.