Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance. Title VI states that:
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.
The Title VI implementing regulations (Volume 34, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 100) provide a detailed discussion of discrimination prohibited by Title VI.
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. Covered programs and activities may include, but are not limited to: admissions, recruitment, financial aid, academic programs, student treatment and services, counseling and guidance, discipline, classroom assignment, grading, vocational education, recreation, physical education, athletics, and housing.
Learn more about how Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin.
Learn about key race, color, and national origin discrimination issues that may arise for individuals in school settings.
View policy guidance on Title VI and other civil rights laws that impact education.
Find resolutions for cases involving Title VI, including race, color, and national origin discrimination.
Find answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Title VI and race, color, and national origin discrimination in school settings.
File a Civil Rights Complaint
If you believe you have been discriminated against on the basis of race, color, or national origin, you can file a civil rights complaint with OCR.
