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Title VI at Utica University

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Title VI at Utica University

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in federally funded programs. Many colleges and universities, including Utica University, accept federal funding and are therefore subject to Title VI.

“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.”

About Title VI

In 1964, the Senate engaged in the longest uninterrupted debate in its history, centered on the Civil Rights Act. This landmark piece of legislation aimed to end discriminatory practices based on race, color, or national origin and was the culmination of the American Civil Rights Movement of the mid 1950s through late 1960s.

Title VI of the act explicitly prohibits any organization that receives federal funding from participating in discriminatory practices based on race, color, or national origin. In July 2025, the U.S. Department of Education expanded the interpretation of Title VI to protect individuals of any religion from discrimination based on their actual or perceived shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics, or citizenship or residency in a country with a dominant religion or distinct religious identity (U.S. Department of Education).

Examples of conduct that violates Title VI include, but are not limited to:

Harassment, comments, or “jokes” that involve racial, ethnic, or ancestral slurs or stereotypes, whether in person or online;
Singling out individuals for disciplinary action based on their perceived ancestry;
Denying an individual any service, financial aid, or other benefit based on race, color, or national origin;
Fostering a pervasively hostile learning environment for individuals based on shared ancestry;
Retaliation for filing a Title VI complaint or discouraging individuals from cooperating with a Title VI investigation.

At Utica University, we are committed to creating a community where all people feel respected and valued. Even if you aren’t sure if you experienced discrimination, we encourage you to submit a report and let our team help determine your next steps.

If an act of discrimination or other concern is reported to the University under this policy, a reporting individual will be protected from retaliation and will receive appropriate assistance and resources from Utica University.