Bullying and harassment are harmful to students and the learning environment and are too pervasive in our nation’s schools. OCR works to protect the right of all students to learn in environments free from discriminatory bullying and harassment.
Policy Guidance
| Date | Title of Document |
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|---|---|---|
January 2023 |
Fact Sheet: Protecting Students from Discrimination Based on Shared Ancestry or Ethnic Characteristics | |
This fact sheet shares information about protections for all students, including students belonging to any religious group, from discrimination under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 based on shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics.
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October 26, 2010 |
Guidance on Schools’ Obligations to Protect Students from Student-on-Student Harassment on the Basis of Sex; Race, Color and National Origin; and Disability | |
“Dear Colleague” letter from Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Russlynn Ali, concerning recipients' obligations to protect students from student-on-student harassment on the basis of sex; race, color and national origin; and disability. The letter clarifies the relationship between bullying and discriminatory harassment, provides examples of harassment, and illustrates how a school should respond in each case.
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September 13, 2004 |
Guidance on Title VI and Title IX Religious Discrimination in Schools and Colleges |
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"Dear Colleague" letter addressing the right of all students, including students of faith, to be free from discrimination in our schools and colleges under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, in cases where such discrimination may be commingled with religious discrimination. |
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July 28, 2003 |
First Amendment | |
"Dear Colleague" letter reaffirming that OCR's regulations and policies do not require or prescribe speech, conduct or harassment codes that impair the exercise of rights protected under the First Amendment. |
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March 10, 1994 |
Racial Harassment / OCR Investigative Guidance |
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Racial Incidents and Harassment Against Students at Educational Institutions; Investigative Guidance. Investigative guidance on the procedures and analysis that OCR staff will follow when investigating issues of racial incidents and harassment against student at educational institutions. This guidance was published in the Federal Register, Vol. 59, No. 47 (Mar. 10, 1994). |
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February 23, 1994 |
Notice of final policy guidance. Nondiscrimination in Federally assisted programs |
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Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The final policy guidance discusses the applicability of the statutes' and regulations' nondiscrimination requirement to student financial aid that is awarded, at least in part, on the basis of race or national origin. This guidance was originally published in the Federal Register, Vol. 59, No. 36. |
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January 31, 1994 |
Notice of application of Supreme Court Decision in United States v. Fordice |
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The notice describes the effect of the Supreme Court's decision on the U.S. Department of Education enforcement policies under Title VI and was published at 59 Fed. Reg. 4271 (Jan. 31, 1994). |
Please see our Reading Room for a full list of guidance documents on issues related to Race and National Origin Discrimination.
Case Resolutions
- Adams County 14 School District (CO) (02-10-5001)
- Chase County Unified School District (KS) (07-14-1014)
- More Case Resolutions
To access resolution agreements and letters created on or after October 1, 2013 click
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