Sent on May 27, 2021, a new Dear Educator Letter from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) reminds schools of their obligation to investigate and address all forms of harassment in educational environments, including harassment directed toward Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) students. This responsibility carries through the academic year and in summer school-sponsored activities. The new letter also provides resources to support schools in fulfilling this responsibility.  

Recipients are asked to review the letter and share with colleagues. You will find this letter in OCR’s News Room.  

Earlier this month, OCR, jointly with the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, issued Confronting COVID-19-Related Harassment in Schools, a resource for students and families, in English and multiple Asian/Pacific Islander languages. The May 27, 2021 Dear Educator Letter builds on efforts across the government, including President Biden’s memorandum, Condemning and Combating Racism, Xenophobia, and Intolerance Against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States, to recognize and address the recent increase in harassment and violence directed at AAPI individuals.  

To view the letter, click here.

The letter can also be accessed in OCR’s News Room.