Frequently Asked Questions | "Dear Colleague" Letter

As we work through these processes and challenges our commitment to our students remains anchored in our mission, vision and values and is founded on core principles that foster an inclusive, empowering, and impactful environment for all those we serve. Our commitment to the success, safety, and well-being of all students remains steadfast. We will continue to prioritize a supportive and inclusive environment for every member of our community. Although we are actively reviewing messaging regarding programs and services to ensure clarity that all programs and services are open to all students in a welcoming and inclusive manner, to date, we have not made any operational or programmatic adjustments.

 

The letter takes the position that educational institutions need clarification and affirmation regarding nondiscrimination obligations of schools and other entities that receive federal funding from the United States Department of Education. This “Dear Colleague” letter states that violations of the protections of the Civil Rights Act may hamper an institution’s ability to receive federal financial assistance provided by the United States Department of Education. It is important to remember that student financial aid is currently not affected. There is a possibility that our federal funding and the financial aid that our students receive could be in jeopardy if we do not take immediate action to assess and mitigate any areas of concern. Programs and services offered at El Camino College are open to all students. We serve all students, as we always have, and always will. We will continue to engage in generative thinking and be intentional in how we describe this inclusivity to highlight our longstanding and existing demonstration that the college does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national origin.

Our continued use of inclusive language will allow us to remain aligned with the goals of the Chancellor’s Vision 2030, and our own values of diversity, equity and inclusion as we enter into the next iteration of this work. Area Vice Presidents will continue to work collaboratively with program faculty and staff as well as constituent leadership, as necessary and appropriate, regarding emerging issues, concerns, or action plans that are developed and vetted.

 

To stay informed on this subject, please refer to this page often. The campus will be updated by email as new information is available and as changes are made to this page. You can also connect with your area manager, vice president, or join President Thames during her office hours to ask questions or share concerns. El Camino continues to monitor this situation in support of our academic community, while engaging in regular discussions with legal counsel and the state Chancellor’s Office to ensure we are providing the most relevant information available.

 

The U.S. Department of Education’s “Dear Colleague” letter provides guidance on how educational institutions must comply with federal civil rights laws. El Camino remains committed to DEI and student equity, but trainings, programming, and policies are being reviewed to ensure compliance with both federal guidance and state protections. El Camino will stay informed about evolving legal interpretations and be proactive in adapting and/or adjusting DEI practices to maintain their educational impact while avoiding legal risks. While California Community Colleges are governed by both federal and California state laws, the letter may impact DEI efforts in several ways.

The letter reinforces compliance with Title VI and Title IX, ensuring that DEI initiatives do not discriminate based on race, sex, or other protected characteristics. While California Community Colleges are governed by AB 172 and SB 993, which strongly support DEI efforts, colleges must also balance federal guidance with state mandates that promote equity and inclusion efforts.

In addition, the letter reminds colleges and universities that DEI training must comply with federal guidelines and ensure it does not promote specific ideological viewpoints or require individuals to do so. Faculty and staff training should remain inclusive, voluntary, and aligned with the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office guidance.

Regarding student discipline policies, the letter underscores the importance of applying discipline fairly and without bias. El Camino is governed by California’s antidiscrimination conduct policies that ensure equitable enforcement while maintaining protections for marginalized student groups.

The letter also states that programs that give preference based on race, gender, or other protected categories may need adjustments to ensure compliance with federal guidance. California Community Colleges already work under Proposition 209, which limits race-based preferences. In addition, most California Community College DEI initiatives focus on broader equity-based support rather than explicit preference policies.

To ensure compliance with federal and state mandates, El Camino regularly reviews DEI policies in consultation with legal counsel and the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office. However, while this vigilance is key to meeting the requirements of these regulations, federal scrutiny of DEI programs could increase making documentation and justification of initiatives crucial to demonstrate compliance.

 

As stated in the Department of Education memo, “Frequently Asked Questions About Racial Preferences,” released February 28, “… schools with programs focused on interests in particular cultures, heritages, and areas of the world would not in and of themselves violate Title VI, assuming they are open to all students regardless of race. Nor would educational, cultural, or historical observances—such as Black History Month, International Holocaust Remembrance Day, or similar events—that celebrate or recognize historical events and contributions, and promote awareness, so long as they do not engage in racial exclusion or discrimination.”

 

The “Dear Colleague” letter provides the Department’s interpretation of a variety of regulations bringing uncertainty regarding the full legal and procedural implications of these changes. The letter seeks to link the Supreme Court’s 2023 decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard (SFFA), which focused on college admissions and discrimination, to a broad and vague range of circumstances such as “…hiring, promotion, compensation, financial aid, scholarships, prizes, administrative support, discipline, housing, graduation ceremonies, and all other aspects of student, academic, and campus life.”

 

It is important to remember that the letter is not considered law and resulting directives will need to be decided through the legal process. However, these directives could be the basis for lengthy and costly Department of Education Office of Civil Rights investigations. El Camino College is in compliance of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The college complied before the letter was released and continues to comply with all state and federal requirements.

You can direct students to contact their manager with any concerns they might have. If you or fellow staff members have questions, please contact:

• Your Division Dean
• The Office of Title IX, Diversity & Inclusion
  • [email protected]
  • 310-660-3813
• Vice President of Equity and Student Services Jeff Stephenson
  • [email protected]
  • 310-660-3593, ext. 3471

For access to the full “Dear Colleague” letter released February 14, 2025, by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, visit https://www.ed.gov/media/document/dear-colleague-letter-sffa-v-harvard-109506.pdf

For access to the full frequently asked questions released on February 28, 2025, by the Department of Education Office of Civil Rights, visit “Frequently Asked Questions About Racial Preferences and Stereotypes Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.”