Preventing Campus Discrimination Based on Race, Color or National Origin

Racial discrimination remains a pressing issue on U.S. campuses, and since October 7th, 2023, the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights has received a surge in Title VI complaints, particularly related to antisemitism and Islamophobia. With several colleges currently under investigation for failing to sufficiently address concerns, it’s clear there is a growing urgency for institutions to go beyond compliance and find more innovative strategies to actively protect students from discrimination.

But here’s the challenge: how do you engage students with these deeply complex and often uncomfortable topics? It’s not easy, but by making learning material that’s relevant and timely, institutions can ensure students not only understand the law but also know how to contribute to a safer, more inclusive campus.

Why Students Don’t Engage

Despite rising urgency, engaging students in Title VI, the law stating that no person should face discrimination based on their race, color or national origin, can be tough. Students today are bombarded with more information than ever, yet are increasingly selective about what they spend their time on. Many view this kind of education as ‘just another requirement’, or find discussions around race and ethnicity irrelevant to their day-to-day lives, while others may feel defensive when confronted with content that challenges their beliefs or behaviors.

This disengagement poses a real risk. If students don't connect with the material, institutions miss the chance to build awareness, prevent discrimination, and build a respectful campus culture. The solution? Deliver Title VI education in a way that resonates with students – making it clear how these issues directly affect them and their communities.

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Key Engagement Strategies for Title VI Education

To overcome the challenge of disengagement, institutions must rethink how they deliver Title VI education. Rather than presenting it as a mandatory legal requirement, it should instead be framed as a relevant and impactful topic that resonates with students’ experiences. Here are proven strategies to help make Title VI education engaging, relatable, and effective:

Peer-Led Language: Make It Conversational

One of the most effective ways to engage students is to speak to them in a language they can understand. Students are far more likely to pay attention when the content is presented by their peers or delivered in a conversational, relatable tone. Avoid heavy legal jargon and instead focus on how students interact with one another about the topics that they find interesting, use examples that are relevant to their social and academic environments, and highlight the benefits.

Relevance to Students' Lives: Connect the Dots

It’s crucial to show students how Title VI directly impacts their lives. Whether it's understanding how racial discrimination influences their relationships and social interactions, or the wellbeing of their peers, personal relevance is key. For example, discussions could explore how racial bias can influence classroom dynamics or how discriminatory practices might impact access to campus resources and support systems. 

Brevity and Focus: Keep It Short and Engaging

Today’s students are busy, and their attention spans are shorter than ever. That’s why it’s important to deliver Title VI education in small, focused chunks. Short videos and interactive modules keep students engaged without overwhelming them with information.

So, instead of offering hour-long seminars or workshops, try providing 5- to 10-minute learning modules that cover key points. This approach allows students to absorb the material at their own pace, on their own time, in a format they enjoy.

Gamification and Quizzes: Make It Interactive

One proven method for increasing student engagement is gamification – using game-like elements such as points, badges, and quizzes to make learning fun and interactive. When it comes to a difficult topic like Title VI, short quizzes or interactive scenarios can help students reflect on their understanding of racial discrimination and test their knowledge in a low-stakes, enjoyable way.

These tools boost engagement and reinforce key lessons, ensuring that students retain what they’ve learned. Plus, students can track their progress, which instills a sense of accomplishment and motivates further learning.

Contextualized Nudges: Timely and Relevant Delivery

Timing is everything when it comes to delivering Title VI education. You can significantly improve engagement by providing students with learning moments at key times, such as orientation, after major campus events, or in response to national conversations about race and global affairs. For example, sending students short educational videos or quizzes related to racial discrimination during Black History Month or following campus-wide diversity events can drive home the importance of Title VI.

Contextualized nudges ensure that students aren’t overwhelmed with information and are more likely to engage with material when it’s most relevant to their lives.

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Empowering Bystander Intervention: Enabling Action

Title VI education isn’t just about awareness – it’s about empowerment. Students should leave a course not only with an understanding of racial discrimination but also with practical tools for intervening in discriminatory situations. Bystander intervention training is a powerful way to give students the confidence to act when they witness racial discrimination.

Institutions should equip students with clear steps to take if they or others experience discrimination, making them part of the solution to create a more equitable campus.

Mobile Learning as a Vehicle for Engagement

Students are digital natives, so using cell phones to engage with Title VI education is a game-changer. Mobile-first platforms help students engage with the material in ways that feel intuitive and natural to them, and encourage active participation rather than passive absorption.

By using a platform that students already rely on, you bring education to them where they already spend their time, making learning feel natural, rather than an additional burden.

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Conclusion

Engaging students in Title VI education is more than a legal obligation – it’s an opportunity to build a more inclusive, respectful, and equitable campus culture. By using innovative, student-centered approaches such as micro-learning, peer-led content, and gamification, institutions can create Title VI learning experiences that resonate with today’s students.

Now is the time to rethink how we deliver education on this important topic – and make sure every student understands their rights under Title VI.

About GoodCourse

Universities use GoodCourse to improve student outcomes by delivering impactful training courses, built for today’s students – by pairing social-media-style content with expert research.

From consent and harassment prevention to discrimination and Title VI training, universities trust GoodCourse to provide students and staff with the tools they need to build safer, more inclusive campuses.

Talk to a member of our team today to learn about how other universities are improving student outcomes, student safety, and meeting regulatory requirements.

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FAQs

1. What is the best time to introduce Title VI education to students?
The ideal time to introduce Title VI education is during key moments like orientation, diversity-related campus events, or when national conversations about racial discrimination are taking place. 

2. How can we make Title VI education feel less overwhelming for students?
Brevity is key. Use bite-sized pieces of information to break down complex material into small, digestible chunks. This ensures that students stay engaged without feeling overloaded with information.

3. What role can students play in Title VI education?
Using conversational, student-friendly language is a great way to make the material feel relatable and accessible. 

4. How can we encourage students to take action against racial discrimination on campus?
Providing students with bystander intervention training can empower them to recognize and intervene in discriminatory situations. Equip students with clear steps and tools for taking action, making them feel confident in playing an active role in fostering a more inclusive campus environment.