Overview
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in programs and activities operated by recipients of federal funds. It states: “No person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” In the education arena, Title VI’s protections apply to all public elementary and secondary schools and colleges and universities—public or private—that receive federal financial assistance. Its protections extend to all aspects of these institutions’ programs and activities. When enforcing Title VI, OCR works to ensure equal access to education services and benefits and to prevent acts of retaliation against those who report Title VI violations.