About Title VI

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

Title VI prohibits discrimination, including harassment, based on actual or perceived:

  • shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics 
  • citizenship or residency in a country with a dominant religion or distinct religious identity. 

Discrimination or harassment based on these characteristics may involve:

  • racial, ethnic, or ancestral slurs or stereotypes; 
  • negative comments about how an individual looks, including skin color, physical features, or style that reflects both ethnic and religious traditions; and 
  • derogatory references to a foreign accent; a foreign name, including names commonly associated with particular shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics; or speaking a foreign language.

Title VI is crucial for ensuring that educational institutions, including the University of Iowa, provide an inclusive and equitable environment for faculty, staff, and students.

Reporting Discrimination and Harassment

The Office of Civil Rights Compliance (OCRC) at the University of Iowa oversees the university’s compliance with Title VI. OCRC supports the university by providing all members of the community with expert advice, education, and services that ensure the university’s compliance with all applicable federal and state civil rights laws and regulations, and university policies, including Title VI. OCRC is responsible for providing training to the campus community and serving as a neutral investigator for alleged university policy violations.  The unit works with faculty, staff, and students who believe they may have been subjected to prohibited harassment, discrimination, unfair or inequitable treatment in violation of the university's policies and provides guidance to university administrators working to resolve concerns in their designated work areas. 

The University of Iowa’s Policy on Human Rights and Anti-Harassment Policy covers discrimination and harassment that is prohibited under Title VI. Complaints of discrimination and harassment based on Title VI protected classes should be reported to the OCRC. You may report alleged discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, and national origin to the OCRC in any of the following ways: 

Overall, Title VI helps create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment at the University of Iowa, ensuring that all students can thrive academically and socially.

For more information: