Overview
Title VI prohibits discrimination based on race, color or national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. It ensures that no person is excluded from participation or denied benefits under any program due to these factors. “No person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin*, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”
What is Title VI?
Title VI protects members of the University community, from race, color and national origin discrimination. This includes discrimination based upon a person's actual or perceived race, color or national origin*.
* National origin refers to a person's country, region, birthplace, ethnicity, ancestry or language. It includes ethnic characteristics such as citizenship, residency in, or shared ancestry from, a country with a dominant religion or distinct religious identity.
SUNY Potsdam has a responsibility to address discrimination that violates Title VI, including Islamophobia or Antisemitism.
Understanding Title VI
Title VI requires that the campus ensures compliance and addresses any prohibited discrimination. Title VI protects the members of our campus community, and protects education programs and activities from race, color and national origin discrimination. This includes discrimination based upon a person’s actual or perceived race, color or national origin. This includes Islamophobia or Antisemitism.
Process for Title VI - Incident Reports
Reporting an incident of discrimination can be completed online, in-person, via email or phone communication.
- Online Campus Reporting Forms
- Via email at DEI@potsdam.edu
- Call (315) 267-3082
- Report is reviewed
- Outreach to Claimant/source of report
- Initial Intake - Complainant Interview
- Jurisdictional Analysis
- Supportive Measures (Assessment of Supportive Measures)
- Hostile Environment Assessment
- Investigation (Based on initial intake indicators and information gathered)
- Determination on Investigation needs if any / Documentation of findings
- Engagement of campus departments as needed – Student Conduct, Counseling Center, Case Management, Human Resources, University Policy, Office of Student Conduct.
- Comprehensive investigation
- Notice of investigation to parties
- Investigation interviews
- Documentation of information and evidence gathered
Once investigation is concluded, a determination is made.
The case may be referred for appropriate administrative action or closed unless further relevant information becomes available.
The investigation process from receipt of report to completion of investigation is expected to be completed within ninety(90) calendar business days of receipt. It is important to note that the completion timeline for any investigation can be impacted by various factors as a result an investigation period may be extended due to extenuating circumstances which may arise during the investigation process
Participation Expectations
- Participation is voluntary.
- The focus of these procedures are to ensure timely response, access to supportive measures and the gathering of accurate information to inform institutional corrective action and appropriate resolution and conclusion to incidents reported.
- Participants should expect to meet with campus Title VI coordinator/ DDEI Staff as needed and requested.
- Participants will be informed of scheduled meeting times and participating parties.
- Support Person Option: Participants have the option of bringing a support person (advisor or advocate) to accompany them to all meetings. The support person will not be allowed to participate in any of the proceedings; however, representatives may attend and observe during meetings and interviews at the discretion of the Title VI Coordinator and the DDEI.
- The Title VI coordinator office will provide periodic updates, as deemed appropriate
Additional Information
- Division for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DDEI)
(315) 267-3082
- Campus Counseling Center
(315) 267-2330
- Center for Diversity
(315) 267-2184
- Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards
(315) 267-2579
- Student Health Center
(315) 267-2377
- University Police
(315) 267-2222
Questions?
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact:
Jacqueline Richardson-Melecio
Vice President, Chief Diversity Officer / Title VI Coordinator
DEI@potsdam.edu