It also certifies that the federal government has a limited role in investigating complaints related to school curricula unless race-related curricula create a hostile environment in the school. The guidance affirms that schools can facilitate frank discussions about race in classrooms as long as all students are invited to participate. “This guidance clarifies that a school-sponsored or recognized group or program with a special emphasis on race, such as a student club or mentorship opportunity, that is open to all students, typically would not violate Title VI simply because of its race-related theme,” Catherine Lhamon, the assistant secretary for civil rights at the Education Department, writes in the letter. 24, provides guidance to school districts, colleges, and universities on how they can create racially inclusive environments without violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits schools from excluding anyone from federally funded programs or activities based on race. The “dear colleague” letter, which the Education Department’s office for civil rights released Aug. Schools can provide students of the same race or national origin with spaces or activities to discuss shared experiences as long as they do not exclude other students from participating, a letter to educators from the U.S.
