Title VI & Bias Incidents
Protection from Race, Color & National Origin Discrimination
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects students from discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in schools and programs that receive federal funding.
Portland Public Schools is committed to ensuring that every student can learn and participate fully in an environment that is safe, respectful, inclusive, and free from discrimination and harassment.
Understanding Title VI
What Title VI Protects
Title VI protects students from discrimination and harassment based on race, color, or national origin and helps ensure equal access to educational programs and opportunities.
Protected Under Title VI
Race & Color
Students are protected from discrimination, unequal treatment, or harassment based on their race or color.
Protected Under Title VI
National Origin
Students are protected from discrimination connected to their national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, or perceived national origin.
Equal Educational Access
Programs & Opportunities
Students must have equitable access to school programs, activities, services, and educational opportunities without discrimination based on race, color, or national origin.
Bias Incidents
Understanding Bias-Based Harm
A bias incident is a hostile expression or behavior directed at or about a person because of a perceived identity. This may include derogatory language or behavior related to race, color, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or national origin.
You do not need to be the person directly targeted to report a bias incident. A report may be made by someone who experiences, witnesses, or otherwise becomes aware of the behavior.
Where Do These Protections Apply?
At school or on District property
At school-sponsored programs, activities, or athletic events
On District-provided transportation or at an official District
bus stop
During certain off-campus school-related activities
Online or through social media when the conduct affects a
student's ability to safely access their education or creates
a hostile school environment
Not sure whether a concern falls under Title VI or the district's bias response process? You can still make a report. The Office for Civil Rights will review the information and determine the appropriate process.
What Happens Next
How the Title VI & Bias Response Process Works
When a concern involving discrimination, harassment, or bias is reported, PPS reviews the information, considers immediate safety and support needs, and determines the appropriate response based on the circumstances.
1
Incident or Concern Is Reported
A student, family member, staff member, witness, or other person reports a concern involving possible discrimination, harassment, or bias.
2
Immediate Safety & Support
The school responds to immediate safety concerns and considers supports needed for students or others affected by the incident.
3
Review & Consultation
School staff and the Office for Civil Rights review the information and consult as needed to determine the appropriate response pathway.
4
Assessment or Investigation
Depending on the circumstances, additional information may be gathered and the concern may be assessed or investigated under the appropriate district process.
5
Response & Action
PPS determines appropriate actions based on the information available, the nature of the concern, and applicable district procedures.
6
Support & Follow-Up
Schools and the Office for Civil Rights provide follow-up, monitor identified concerns, and support efforts to restore a safe and inclusive learning environment.
Every Report Is Reviewed
Making a report begins a review of the concern. It does not automatically mean that a formal investigation will occur. The information provided is reviewed to determine the appropriate next steps and level of response.
Get Help & Learn More
Reporting & Resources
Students, families, and community members can report concerns, connect with school-based support, and learn more about how PPS responds to discrimination, harassment, and bias incidents.
Report
Report a Civil Rights Concern
Submit information about discrimination, harassment, bias, or another possible civil rights concern to the PPS Office for Civil Rights.
Report a Concern →School Support
Find Your School-Based Coordinator
School-Based Coordinators can help students and families understand reporting options, available supports, and appropriate next steps.
Find Your Coordinator →Learn More
Leveled Response Framework
Learn how PPS considers the circumstances of a concern and determines the appropriate level of response, intervention, and support.
Explore the Response Framework →Additional Resources
Review detailed PPS procedures or use SafeOregon to report school safety concerns.