The tensions arising from the Israel-Hamas conflict have prompted the federal government to remind schools of their obligation to provide a discrimination-free environment.
The U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights released a “Dear Colleague Letter” Tuesday laying out the law. Under Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Acts, students have a legal right to attend a school free of harassment or discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion or national origin.
The office has released an updated form to file Title VI complaints. The person filing the complaint does not have to have been the target of harassment or discrimination. The office has also created a fact sheet to help schools protect students.
