Student Affairs Law and Policy Training Symposium

 As colleges and universities face increased attention to discrimination based on race, national origin, shared ancestry, and ethnic identity, higher education professionals must be equipped with the tools to address complex issues at the intersection of law, campus climate, and institutional values. This session will explore colleges’ and universities’ obligations to address discrimination and harassment under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, with a focus on contemporary challenges, including changing government enforcement,  and addressing issues of Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and racialized speech. 

Panelists will examine how federal law requires institutions to assess and investigate Title VI issues and discuss balancing obligations to prevent and respond to discrimination and harassment while also allowing for free expression. Participants will learn how to evaluate policies and practices, identify legal and reputational risk factors, and implement coordinated responses to reports of discrimination. Through case studies and practical scenarios, participants will practice responding to complaints, identifying and assessing strategic considerations, and learn tips for conducting investigations and facilitating campus-wide or targeted responses to prevent and remediate the effects of discrimination on students and employees. 

Learning Objectives:

• Identify and analyze emerging Title VI issues impacting campus climate, including complaints related to race, national origin, shared ancestry, and ethnic identity. Participants will develop a nuanced understanding of how contemporary campus controversies (including those involving antisemitism, Islamophobia, and racialized speech, and how they are framed and investigated under Title VI).
• Evaluate institutional responsibilities under Title VI to prevent and respond to discrimination, harassment, and hostile environments. Participants will learn how to assess institutional policies and practices for compliance, including recognizing when speech or conduct may trigger legal and reputational risks.
• Apply best practices in responding to Title VI complaints through coordinated campus responses, equitable investigation practices, and proactive education and training. Participants will explore case studies and develop skills for managing investigations, facilitating dialogue, and implementing effective resolution strategies aligned with federal guidance and current legal standards.

Registration is based on individual membership status at the time of registration. 

If you are not a current member and are employed by a college or university that is an institutional member, you can join as a professional affiliate member for $80. If your institution is NOT a member, you can join as an associate affiliate member for $250. Both membership types provide access to the individual member rate for the event. Please visit the membership section of the NASPA website to learn more about membership types and benefits. We hope you’ll consider joining today!

If you are experiencing financial hardship, you may qualify for a NASPA Foundation Membership Scholarship or NASPA Foundation Professional Development Access Scholarship, which can be used for this event.

For a comprehensive listing of NASPA registration policies, please visit this page.