Supporting Inclusion for all
Combatting Racism, Islamophobia, and Antisemitism
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act requires UB to address conduct that is harassing based on race, national origin, or religion.
Responding to Discrimination and Harassment
Harassment based on race, national origin, and religion is prohibited by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and by UB policy. This includes racist, Islamophobic, and antisemitic conduct directed at students, employees, and other members of the UB community. While harassment may take many forms, harassing behaviors can include the following:
- Targeting individuals on social media accounts
- Graffiti, messages on white boards, and other written expressions of hostility
- Mocking or belittling someone based on their race, religion or national origin
- Using racial or religious-based slurs while confronting, threatening, stalking or badgering someone
Any member of the UB community can report this conduct to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI). EDI will investigate reports of harassment in accordance with UB's Discrimination and Harassment Policy.
Faculty and Staff Obligations under Title VI
When a faculty or staff member becomes aware of potential acts of racism, Islamophobia, antisemitism or other forms of hatred, they must contact Equity, Diversity and Inclusion to report the incident. EDI will assess the situation to determine the appropriate response, and also reach out to the people impacted by the conduct to offer reporting options and support. It is important to know that even conduct that takes place outside of classrooms or even off-campus, including social media posts and electronic communications, can negatively impact the work or academic environment.
Mandatory SUNY Title VI Training
All UB employees (paid by State, Research Foundation, or UB Foundation) are required to complete mandatory employee Title VI training. Employees include paid student assistants, research assistants and graduate assistants.
Student organization leaders and residence life staff (including residence assistants and community assistants) are required to complete mandatory student Title VI training.
Students who fall into both categories (ex. are a paid student assistant and a student organization leader) may complete either the employee or student training in to meet the Title VI training requirement.
Employees
Any individual who is a paid UB employee (State, Research Foundation, or UB Foundation), including paid student assistants, must complete either:
Option One: Online Training
2025: Compliance Training - Title VI, Sexual Harassment Prevention Training, and Accessibility and Accommodations Training
Available in
Option Two: Live Training
A scheduled live training session hosted by Equity, Diversity and Inclusion that includes Title VI, Sexual Harassment Prevention, and Accessibility and Accommodations.
Please note that Title VI and Sexual Harassment Prevention topics are mandatory. The Accommodations and Accessibility module is optional.
Student Leaders
If you are either:
- A student organization leader part of a recognized student organization, or
- A residence life staff member (includings RAs and CAs)
You must complete: 2025: SUNY Title VI for Students
Your area leader will notify you of the training requirement and add you to this course in .
For All Students
You may watch the informational video below for more information about your right to a learning environment free from antisemitism, Islamophobia, or other harassment based on race or national origin. This video includes:
- Your rights under Title VI
- How to report a potential violation
Please note that students who are required to complete Title VI training must complete the course in UB Learns in order to receive credit.
The First Amendment and Hate Speech
Because UB is a public university, members of our community have protection under the First Amendment. In many instances, even hateful or offensive comments are protected. Some examples may include:
- Controversial speakers who are invited to campus by a student group
- Signs, slogans or chants made during protests regarding politics or global affairs
- Individual social media posts expressing hatred for or derision of a group
- Expression that condemns others based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, or other traits
EDI can advise as to whether speech or conduct is actionable harassment or whether it is protected under the First Amendment. Even in cases where UB cannot act on the speech, UB must still assess whether additional action or support is needed. Contact EDI if you are notified of any actions targeted against people based on race, national origin, or religion, including Islamophobia and antisemitism.
