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
The State University of New York (SUNY) Office of General Counsel has developed an online, 30-minute training to educate faculty and staff in identifying and reporting discriminatory harassment based on race and national origin. This includes acts of hatred or bigotry based on religious traits or characteristics, such as acts of antisemitism and Islamophobia. This training is aimed toward ensuring that UB responds effectively and appropriately to these incidents, even when speech may be protected under the First Amendment.
This training is available to all faculty and staff in UB Learns. Select the "Mandatory: SUNY Title VI Training" course in the "My Courses" section. A Quick Start Guide and more detailed instructions are available for additional assistance.
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.
Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
406 Capen Hall (Campus map)
Buffalo, New York 14260
Tel. (716) 645-2266
Fax: (716) 645-3952
