Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 – Campus Information & Reporting

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Title VI: Ensuring a Discrimination-Free Campus

Understanding Your Rights and Responsibilities Under Federal Law

NWACC Procedures for Title VI Violations 

What is Title VI?

• Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin (including shared ancestry) in any program or activity that receives federal financial assistance. This includes colleges and universities. Because NWACC receives funding from the U.S. Department of Education and other federal agencies, we are legally required to comply with Title VI. 

  
  At NorthWest Arkansas Community College, Title VI ensures that all students, employees, and visitors have equal access to education, services, and opportunities—free from discrimination or exclusion. This protection extends to admissions, classroom treatment, financial aid, and other campus programs. 
   "No person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin (including shared ancestry), be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance." 

  
  This means our college must ensure that no student, employee, or campus visitor is discriminated against based on race, color, or national origin (including shared ancestry) in any program, service, or activity—whether inside the classroom, during admissions, in financial aid, counseling, or extracurricular programs. 

  
  In practical terms, Title VI requires our college to:

  1. Provide equal access to educational programs and activities. 
  2. Take prompt and effective action when discrimination is reported. 
  3. Ensure that students with limited English proficiency (LEP) have meaningful access to information and services.
  4. Maintain policies and procedures that prevent and address discriminatory behavior.

Title VI not only protects individuals but also helps us create a welcoming, inclusive, and equitable campus for all. 
 
Examples of Title VI Violations 

• Racial or ethnic slurs in classroom or campus settings.
• Denying services or benefits based on national origin (including shared ancestry).
• Segregation or discriminatory grading practices.

Discrimination in student admissions, programs, or financial aid. 

 
What is NOT Covered Under Title VI? 
While Title VI is a powerful civil rights law, it is limited in scope. It only prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin (including shared ancestry). 

This means that Title VI does not cover: 

• Sex-based discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual orientation, and gender identity. These are covered under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
• Disability discrimination. This is covered under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Age discrimination, which is addressed by the Age Discrimination Act of 1975.
• Religious discrimination, which is generally not covered under Title VI unless it overlaps with national origin (for example, discrimination against Arab or Sikh individuals). In other cases, protections may come from the Constitution, state law, or campus policy.
• Discrimination based on income or social class, unless it results in unequal treatment based on race, color, or national origin. 

Additionally, Title VI does not apply to purely private conduct unless that conduct is part of a federally funded program or activity. 

If You’re Experiencing Discrimination Not Covered by Title VI 
If your concern involves a type of discrimination not covered by Title VI, NWACC still wants to support you. We have staff and processes in place to help with: 

• Sexual harassment and gender-based discrimination – handled by the Title IX Office
• Disability-related concerns – handled by the Disability Resource Center
• Other misconduct or bias incidents – handled by Student Affairs or Human Resources 

For more information on your rights and how to get support, visit our Nondiscrimination and Equity Policy.
 
Reporting Title VI Violations 
Reports or Complaints of Title VI Misconduct may be made using any of the following options: 

1. File a Report or Complaint with, or give notice to the following offices: 
   • Office of Human Resources. A Report may be made at any time (including during non-business hours) by email (HRHelp@nwacc.edu), or by mail to the office address (NWACC Human Resources Office, One College Drive, Bentonville, AR 72712). 
     Dean of Students Office. A Report may be made at any time (including during non-business hours) by email (deanofstudents@nwacc.edu), or by mail to the office address (NWACC Dean of Students Office, One College Drive, Bentonville, AR 72712). 
   • Office of Community Standards. A Report may be made at any time (including during non-business hours) by email (conduct@nwacc.edu) or by mail to the office address (NWACC Office of Community Standards, Becky Paneitz Student Center 225, One College Drive, Bentonville, AR 72712). 
   • Title IX Office. A Report may be made at any time (including during non-business hours) by email (titleix@nwacc.edu), or by mail to the office address (NWACC Title IX Office, Center for Health Professions Room 3045, One College Drive, Bentonville, AR 72712). 
   • NWACC’s Department of Police and Public Safety. A report may be made at any time by calling (479) 619-4229, or by email (DPS@nwacc.edu), or by visiting the offices located at each campus. Reports may be sent by mail (NWACC Dept. of Police and Public Safety, One College Drive, Bentonville, AR 72712). DPS phones are answered 24/7/365.  
2. Report online, using the Maxient Reporting System at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?NWACC&layout_id=0. Anonymous reports are accepted, but the Report may give rise to a need to try to determine the Parties’ identities. Anonymous reports typically limit the College’s ability to investigate, respond, and provide remedies, depending on what information is shared. Measures intended to protect the community or redress or mitigate harm may be enacted. It also may not be possible to provide supportive measures to Reporting Party(ies) who are the subject of an anonymous report.
3. Report online using EthicsPoint Reporting System: https://secure.ethicspoint.com/domain/media/en/gui/15781/index.html.  

 

Resources and Support 

Counseling & Wellness services 

Counseling and Wellness 

• Student Center, 2nd floor
• (479) 619-4128
• counseling@nwacc.edu
• Mon-Fri, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
• Washington County Location
• By appointment only