Title VI
“No person in the United States shall, on ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.” — Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Implementing Regulations at (Pub. L. 88–352, title VI, §601, July 2, 1964, 78 Stat. 252.)
If you need immediate help or this is an emergency, please call 911 or University Police at 518-564-2022.
How Does Title VI Protect You?
No one deserves to experience harm. Title VI is a federal civil rights law that prohibits colleges and universities that receive federal financial assistance from discriminating on the basis of race, color or national origin in educational programs and activities. Title VI serves all students, faculty and staff.
Each semester, the Title VI/Title IX coordinator will notify all students and employees of the university’s Non-Discrimination Policy, including all reporting procedures and available resources.
Harassing conduct may lead to a hostile environment that violates Title VI when there is unwelcome conduct based on race, color or national origin, including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics, and when considered under the totality of the circumstances, the conduct is subjectively and objectively offensive and is so severe or pervasive that it limits or denies a person’s ability to participate in or benefit from the institution’s education, program or activity.
Resources & Reporting
The Title VI Coordinator works with the DIRECT Bias Response Team to oversee the university’s response to all reports and complaints of bias and discrimination, including Title VI misconduct. Harassment may take many forms and it is important to be mindful that even when conduct takes place online, or off-campus, it can negatively impact the work or academic environment and may be actionable under Title VI.
Harassing behavior can include:
- Targeting individuals on social media accounts
- Graffiti, messages on whiteboards, and other written expressions of hostility
- Mocking, belittling, confronting, threatening, stalking or badgering someone or a group based upon their race, color or national origin
- Using racial or religious-based slurs directed at a group or individual
SUNY Plattsburgh will ensure that all students and employees have access to appropriate resources and reporting options in the event of any misconduct. When a faculty or staff member becomes aware of potential acts of bias, harassment or discrimination, they must contact the Title VI coordinator.
To make a report or referral:
- Email: [email protected]
- Submit an online reporting form to the DIRECT Bias Response Team
After a report or referral is received by the DIRECT Bias Response Team, a member of the Team will reach out to you to discuss supportive measures and options
for moving forward, if applicable.
Additional Resources
- Notice of Non-Discrimination Policy
- Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
- Bias and Discrimination Reporting Form
- Silent Witness Program
- Discrimination Complaint Procedure and Employee Title IX Grievance Process
- Office of Title IX
The First Amendment and Hate Speech
SUNY Plattsburgh strives to create an environment in which diverse opinions can be expressed and heard. As a public university, it is a fundamental value of the university that all members of the campus community and their invited guests have a right to peacefully express their views and opinions, regardless of whether others may disagree with those expressions. This includes the right of protesters to oppose the views or opinions of others, but not in such a way as to limit or prevent the speaker’s freedom of expression or interfere with university operations.
Because SUNY Plattsburgh is a public university, members of our community have protection under the First Amendment. In many instances, even hateful or offensive comments are protected. Some examples may include:
- Controversial speakers who are invited to campus
- Signs, slogans or chants made during protests regarding politics or global affairs
- Individual social media posts expressing hatred for or derision of a group
- Expression that condemns others based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, religion or other traits
Even in cases where SUNY Plattsburgh cannot act on the speech, the university must still assess whether additional action or support is needed. Contact the Title VI coordinator or submit a report if you are notified of any actions targeted against people based on race, national origin or religion, including Islamophobia and antisemitism.