Determined to create change, Eyana Dixon partnered with Florida A&M’s Title Nine department as one of their newest campus ambassadors. Dixon created an initiative to ensure that students and staff know what sexual misconduct is and how it can be handled.
Dixon, a former track athlete at FAMU, as well as some of her fellow track teammates, claim they were victims of sexual assault by a former male staff member in FAMU’s athletic department. For Dixon, it occurred as she transitioned into her junior year.
Dixon was the first of her teammates to publicly step forward and said she was displeased with her experience and some of the university protocols that were put in place to ensure that she was protected and heard.
Nevertheless, she continued to persevere, initially having her case denied and quickly appealing it.
Months later, Dixon’s appeal was approved. Then she decided for herself that her story would not stop there.
Dixon would not be limited by her situation, but instead, use it as a platform to self-advocate for others. Dixon is now a content creator, who uses her social media platform as an outlet for a greater purpose.
“I had to understand that I wasn’t just using my voice for myself but for other victims as well,” Dixon said. “I would rather partner and help fix these programs to create a safe and positive environment rather than say and do nothing about it. Even though I had already won my administrative case.”
This was where her Title IX ambassador journey began. Dixon has been actively preparing for her position, even while her role is still in its beginning phases, combining her knowledge with campus involvement to create events that make sexual misconduct and sexual assault awareness informational as well as interactive.
And Dixon is not alone. Former teammate and friend Kailyn Thompson will work alongside Dixon to help her achieve her goal of increasing numbers in their target audience.
“You can just see the passion for what she has been doing with sexual assault and domestic abuse,” Thompson said. “The goal right now for Title IX ambassadors to expand.”
Dixon is involved with two Christian organizations on campus: FAMU Navigators and the FAMU Prayer Group. She is also a Fall 2023 Peer Mentor.
Javon Thomas, a friend of Dixon and a member of FAMU Navigators, admired Dixon’s work ethic as he has been able to witness her journey from the very beginning.
“She’s an inspiration to me,” Thomas said. “We are both apart of the same bible study group and I’ve watched her grow into such a strong person.”
With hopes of a safer environment and an effective outcome, Title IX ambassadors will launch their new Instagram page this week and plan to host their first “consent karaoke” event on November 8.