The United States Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights clarifies that “A school or college violates Title VI if it intentionally treats persons differently or otherwise causes them harm because of their race, or if a school or college creates or is responsible for a racially hostile environment. A hostile environment exists where there is conduct (e.g., physical, verbal, graphic, or written) that is sufficiently severe, pervasive, or persistent so as to interfere with or limit the ability of an individual to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school or college. Racial harassment of students is one form of conduct that could result in an unlawful hostile environment, which the school or college is obligated to address.”
School administrators work with students in their school to ensure any walkout/protest does not violate the terms of Title VI or Board of Education policies. Any language or actions by students or groups of students that are found to be outside the scope of these expectations are addressed in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.