Catherine E. Lhamon, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Education shared information about a new fact sheet from the Office for Civil Rights.
The fact sheet confirms for educators, parents, and students that diversity, equity, and inclusion training and similar activities generally are consistent with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
The OCR enforces Title VI, a law that prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance.
This new fact sheet clarifies that federal civil rights laws do not categorically prohibit schools from offering activities such as:
- Instruction on the impact of racism,
- Cultural competency training, or
- School climate surveys.
OCR states that students have the right to attend schools that are free from discrimination and provide inclusive learning environments.
We want schools that make an effort to foster these positive learning environments through diversity, equity, and inclusion activities to know that federal civil rights law is not a categorical barrier.
OCR will continue to vigorously enforce federal civil rights laws to ensure that all students have equal access to educational opportunities.
Review the fact sheet here
Review the fact sheet in Spanish here
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