On Friday, June 9, 2023, the US Departments of Education (USDE) and Justice (DOJ) released a joint Dear Colleague Letter titled Resource on Confronting Racial Discrimination in Student Discipline. The DCL directed the country’s schools to make sure that their discipline policies and practices do not discriminate against students “based on race, color or national origin.”

According to the DCL, discrimination in schools based on race, color, and national origin in student discipline was, and continues to be, a significant concern, and is in violation of Title VI.

The departments also warned that they will “vigorously enforce Federal laws to eliminate unlawful discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in student discipline.”

To view the joint DCL, click here.