Signed by Governor Kathy Hochul

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires institutions of higher education in New York to designate a Title VI coordinator to ensure compliance with Title VI - a federal law which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or nationality.

Highlights:

• Requires institutions of higher education with a campus in New York to designate a Title VI coordinator within 90 days of the effective date of this Section (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that the Title VI coordinator is designated to ensure that students are protected from illegal discrimination based on characteristics described in state and federal law, in compliance with Title VI of the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Sec. 1).

• Requires the Title VI coordinator to do the following if they receive a report of discrimination or harassment (Sec. 1):

• Offer supportive measures to the student or students making the complaint;

• Notify any students who report conduct that may reasonably constitute discrimination or harassment of the institution’s policies and/or procedures; and

• Ensure there is a process for investigation and resolution of complaints consistent with federal and state law.

• Requires the division of human rights to develop training to ensure compliance (Sec. 1).

• Requires the Title VI coordinator to notify all students and employees each academic year of the institution’s policies and procedures for reporting discrimination and harassment (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that this Act takes effect one year after its passage (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text