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Title VI Compliance


“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.” 

What is Title VI? 

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a federal law that protects individuals from discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance. 

Discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin includes discrimination based on a person’s actual or perceived race, color, national origin, ethnicity, or ancestry. The Office of Civil Rights (OCR) has interpreted national origin to extend to discrimination or harassment based on shared ancestry or perceived shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics or citizenship or residency in a country with a dominant religion or distinct religious identity. 

Racial and national origin harassment can take many forms, including slurs, taunts, stereotypes, or name-calling, as well as racially motivated threats, attacks, or other hateful conduct. 

Students and employees have a right to be free from ethnic or racial slurs, harassment for how they dress or speak, and from any stereotypes based on actual or perceived shared ancestral or ethnic characteristics.  

How Can I Report Title VI Discrimination?  

The Office of Institutional Equity is charged with ensuring Western Kentucky University’s compliance with Title VI and coordinating the University’s response to any Title VI reports/complaints. 

If you believe that you or others protected by Title VI have been discriminated against involving programs or services provided through Western Kentucky University, you should file a report with the Office of Institutional Equity. 

What Will Happen After I submit a Report? 

Once a report is submitted, it will be reviewed by the Office of Institutional Equity to determine appropriate jurisdiction and next steps.  If additional follow-up is needed, someone from the Office of Institutional Equity will contact you to gather more information and explain the next steps in the process. WKU's Discrimination and Harassment Policy, No. 0.2040 includes more information about the process. 

What if I Experience Retaliation for Asserting my Rights under Title VI or Filing a Complaint? 

Western Kentucky University is prohibited from retaliating against you or any person because they opposed an unlawful policy or practice, made charges, testified, or participated in any complaint action under Title VI.  If you believe that you have been retaliated against, you should immediately notify the Office of Institutional Equity.  

Does the University offer Title VI training?

Yes. OIE offers group training presentations by request. If you are interested, please complete this Training Request Form.  

Where can I find more information about Title VI? 

Office for Civil Rights (OCR) 

Dear Colleague Letter: Title VI of the Civil Rights Act in Light of Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard (February 14, 2025)  

Frequently Asked Questions About Racial Preferences and Stereotypes Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act (February 28, 2025) 

Dear Colleague Letter on Discrimination, including Harassment, Based on Shared Ancestry or Ethnic Characteristics (November 7, 2023) 

Dear Colleague Letter: Protecting Students from Discrimination, such as Harassment, Based on Race, Color, or National Origin, Including Shared Ancestry or Ethnic Characteristics (May 7, 2024) 


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 Last Modified 8/7/25