Title VI Compliance Resolution Agreements Overview

This document is an information memo detailing recent resolution agreements between the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and the University of Michigan (U-M) and the City University of New York (CUNY). The agreements address complaints of discrimination based on various ancestries and reflect OCR’s evolving standards for compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The memo outlines deficiencies identified by OCR in how U-M and CUNY handled discrimination complaints, including inadequate investigations and premature classifications of incidents as free speech. The agreements require both institutions to develop comprehensive investigation protocols, establish clear procedures for handling complaints, and ensure thorough documentation. Additionally, regular staff training on Title VI obligations is mandated. The memo emphasizes the importance of proactive campus climate assessments and consistent, transparent procedures to foster a non-discriminatory environment. It also highlights the necessity for institutions to integrate Title VI compliance into their overall focus on reporting and investigation mechanisms.