The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has issued a reminder to schools nationwide, urging them to be vigilant against discriminatory practices aimed at Muslim, Hindu, Palestinian and Arab students. This reminder was circulated in the form of a Dear Colleague Letter.
Following an announcement from the Department of Education, this letter arrives just before the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, set to be observed on March 15. The move is also supported by the National Strategy to Counter Islamophobia and Related Forms of Bias and Discrimination, a campaign initiated by the Biden administration. In November, the department disseminated an article outlining resources that could be employed to ensure student safety. High-ranking administration officials also conducted school visits to engage with community leaders about school safety and hear from community stakeholders.
Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona expressed his concern over the situation. "I am deeply disturbed by increasing reports of anti-Muslim, anti-Arab, and anti-Palestinian harassment in schools," said Cardona. "Hate has no place in our nation’s classrooms or on our college campuses, and the Department is committed to providing school communities with the information and resources they need to prevent and combat Islamophobia and related forms of discrimination."
According to the news release, the communication instructs school officials about their legal responsibility under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI). This legislation mandates that schools foster an environment free from discrimination based on race, ethnicity or religious background. The federal government also offers funding to schools as a measure against discrimination affecting all students.
Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Catherine E. Lhamon reiterated OCR's commitment towards ensuring equality in education. "OCR continues to stand ready to fulfill the promise of Title VI to ensure every student, including Muslim, Arab, Sikh, South Asian, Hindu, and Palestinian students, has equal access to educational opportunities that are free from discrimination," said Lhamon.
