Education Department Finds Michigan, CUNY Failed to Follow Title VI

In a recent investigation, the U.S. Department of Education has found that the University of Michigan and the City University of New York (CUNY) failed to comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The department’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) conducted the investigation in response to complaints filed by students and faculty members alleging discrimination and harassment based on race, national origin, and religion.

Title VI prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. The law requires educational institutions to take prompt and effective steps to prevent and respond to incidents of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.

The OCR investigation found that both universities failed to meet their obligations under Title VI. At the University of Michigan, the investigation revealed that the university did not adequately respond to reports of anti-Semitic incidents, including vandalism and hate speech. The university’s failure to take prompt and effective action to address these incidents created a hostile environment for Jewish students, faculty, and staff.

Similarly, the investigation at CUNY found that the university did not properly respond to complaints of discrimination and harassment based on race, national origin, and religion. The OCR found that CUNY’s policies and procedures for addressing discrimination and harassment were inadequate, and that the university failed to provide a prompt and equitable response to complaints.

The OCR’s findings are a significant concern, as they suggest that both universities failed to provide a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students. The investigation’s results are a reminder that educational institutions have a legal and moral obligation to prevent and respond to incidents of discrimination and harassment.

In response to the OCR’s findings, both universities have agreed to take corrective action to come into compliance with Title VI. The University of Michigan has agreed to revise its policies and procedures for addressing discrimination and harassment, and to provide training to students, faculty, and staff on recognizing and responding to incidents of discrimination. CUNY has agreed to develop a comprehensive plan to address discrimination and harassment, including revising its policies and procedures, providing training, and increasing resources for supporting students who have experienced discrimination.

The OCR’s investigation and the universities’ agreements to take corrective action are important steps towards ensuring that all students have access to a safe and inclusive learning environment. However, more needs to be done to address the systemic issues that contribute to discrimination and harassment on college campuses.

The OCR’s findings highlight the need for educational institutions to prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion, and to take proactive steps to prevent discrimination and harassment. This includes providing training and resources for students, faculty, and staff, as well as creating policies and procedures that are fair, equitable, and effective.

Ultimately, the responsibility for creating a safe and inclusive learning environment falls on educational institutions. The OCR’s investigation and the universities’ agreements to take corrective action are important reminders of the need for institutions to take their obligations under Title VI seriously, and to work towards creating a learning environment that is free from discrimination and harassment.

What This Means for Students and Faculty

The OCR’s findings and the universities’ agreements to take corrective action have significant implications for students and faculty. Here are a few key takeaways:

 Students who have experienced discrimination or harassment have the right to file a complaint with the university and to expect a prompt and equitable response.
 Universities have a legal obligation to provide a safe and inclusive learning environment, and to take proactive steps to prevent discrimination and harassment.
 Faculty and staff have a critical role to play in creating a safe and inclusive learning environment, and should be trained and supported in recognizing and responding to incidents of discrimination.

Conclusion

The OCR’s investigation and the universities’ agreements to take corrective action are important steps towards ensuring that all students have access to a safe and inclusive learning environment. However, more needs to be done to address the systemic issues that contribute to discrimination and harassment on college campuses. Educational institutions must prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion, and take proactive steps to prevent discrimination and harassment. By working together, we can create a learning environment that is free from discrimination and harassment, and that supports the success of all students.