TITLE VI DEFINITIONS
Harassment – Harassment, under Title VI, is unwelcome conduct that is based on race, color, ancestry, ethnicity, or national origin. Harassment becomes unlawful where the conduct is severe or pervasive enough to create an environment that a reasonable person would consider intimidating, hostile, or abusive.
Discrimination – Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination based on race, color, and national origin in any program or activity that receives federal financial assistance. It protects against discrimination based on actual or perceived race, color, or national origin, including ethnicity, ancestry, and limited English proficiency. It protects individuals of any religion (such as Jewish, Muslim, or Sikh) if they are subjected to discrimination tied to shared ancestry, ethnic characteristics, or physical appearance.
Bias – Bias is the underlying attitude or belief, whereas discrimination is the resulting unfair action. Bias involves prejudice and discrimination and occurs when those biases translate into unfair treatment in an environment, including a higher education setting.
Retaliation – Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, it is illegal for federally funded programs to intimidate, threaten, coerce, or discriminate against anyone who files a discrimination complaint, testifies, or participates in an investigation.
U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division (2026)