Title VI

What is Title VI?

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance.

Title VI provides 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."

Because SUNY Empire State University receives federal financial assistance, it is required to comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin (including shared ancestry and ethnic characteristics) in any university program or activity. Title VI protects students, applicants, employees, and others who participate in or seek to benefit from the university's programs. All members of the university community are expected to follow the university policies that put these obligations into practice.

University Policy

Consistent with federal and state law, Empire State University does not discriminate on the basis of age, carrier status, color, disability, domestic violence victim status, gender, gender identity, genetic predisposition, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status in its educational programs, activities, admissions, or employment.

Title VI specifically prohibits discrimination, harassment, and unequal treatment on the basis of race, color, or national origin (including shared ancestry and ethnic characteristics).

Understanding Title VI

Title VI protects members of the university community from discrimination based on a person's actual or perceived race, color, or national origin.

National origin refers to a person's country, region, birthplace, ethnicity, ancestry, language, or shared ethnic characteristics. It may also include characteristics associated with citizenship, residency in, or shared ancestry from a country or region with a dominant religion or distinct religious identity.

Title VI protections may apply to conduct involving bias, harassment, or discrimination based on race, color, or national origin, including conduct rooted in antisemitism, Islamophobia, or other forms of prohibited discrimination. Harassment can be verbal or physical and does not need to be directed at a particular individual and may be directed at a group. Harassing behavior can include:

• Targeting individuals on social media accounts
• Graffiti, graphics, or other written expressions of hostility
• Mocking or belittling someone based on their race, religion or national origin
• Using racial slurs or religious-based slurs while confronting, threatening, stalking or badgering someone
• Physical assault
• Any other conduct that may be threatening, harmful, or humiliating

Empire State University is committed to fostering an inclusive educational environment and addressing conduct that may violate Title VI.

Role of the Title VI Coordinator

The Title VI Coordinator is responsible for oversight of:

• Employee and student education regarding rights and protections under Title VI
• Receiving and reviewing reports alleging race, color, or national origin discrimination
• Coordinating responses to complaints and reports
• Monitoring university compliance with Title VI requirements
• Implementing supportive measures, as appropriate
• Coordinating investigations and resolution processes when warranted

Contact the Title VI Coordinator

Xiomara Giordano
Assistant Vice President /Chief Diversity Officer and
Title VI Coordinator

Email: TitleVI@sunyempire.edu
Phone: (518) 581-2228

Reporting a Title VI Concern

Empire State University encourages students, employees, and community members to report concerns involving discrimination based on race, color, or national origin.

Reports may be submitted through:

• Online Reporting Form
• Email: TitleVI@sunyempire.edu
• Phone: (518) 581-2228

The university takes reports seriously and is committed to reviewing concerns promptly, thoroughly, and fairly. Individuals are encouraged to provide accurate and factual information when submitting a report.

Reporting Process

Initial Review

• Review of the report
• Outreach to the reporting individual
• Initial intake meeting
• Assessment of jurisdiction and applicable policies
• Evaluation of supportive measures

Investigation

When appropriate, the university may conduct an investigation that includes:

• Interviews with involved parties and witnesses
• Collection and review of relevant information and evidence
• Consultation with appropriate university offices
• Assessment of whether university policies have been violated

Resolution

Following review or investigation, the university will determine whether policy violations occurred and identify appropriate next steps, corrective actions, or referrals as necessary.

Participant Expectations

• A fair and impartial review of reported concerns
• Access to supportive measures when appropriate
• Communication regarding meetings and next steps
• The opportunity to bring a support person or advisor to meetings, consistent with university procedures
• Periodic updates regarding the status of the matter as appropriate

Participation in the process is voluntary.

Timeframe

The university strives to resolve reports promptly. Although most reviews and investigations are expected to be completed within approximately ninety (90) business days, the timeframe may be extended when circumstances require additional review, evidence gathering, or other investigative steps.

Policies, Procedures, and Resources

• Discrimination Complaint Procedures
• Non-Discrimination / Anti-Harassment Policy
• Student Grievance Procedure
• Bias Incident Reporting
• Additional SUNY and federal civil rights resources
• Education and Title VI
• Know Your Rights
• Fact Sheet