Title VI Policy

Touro’s Commitment to a Safe and Inclusive Environment

Touro seeks to foster a collegial atmosphere where students are nurtured and educated through close faculty-student relationships, student camaraderie, and individualized attention. Discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, and national origin, including shared ancestry, is detrimental to Touro’s mission, history, and identity. Touro will resolve any complaints of discrimination in a timely and effective manner. Compliance with Touro’s policies and procedures is a necessary step in achieving a safe environment in our educational community. 

Each academic year, Touro and the Title VI Coordinator will notify all students and employees of Touro’s Non-Discrimination Statement. This will include all reporting policies and procedures, the Title VI Coordinator’s contact information, and any available resources for Title VI support.

Title VI Reporting Procedure

Any person may report discrimination, based on actual or perceived race, color, and national origin, including shared ancestry and ethnic characteristics in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance using the Title VI complaint form, in person, by telephone, or by electronic mail, using the contact information listed for the Title VI Coordinator, or by any other means that results in the Title VI Coordinator receiving the person’s verbal or written report. All verbal complaints must be followed by a written email or other preferred choice of writing to ensure appropriate documentation and review.

Please reference Touro’s full Complaint Procedures.

Role of the Title VI Coordinator

The Title VI Coordinator is responsible for coordinating the university's compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and applicable federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination, harassment, and retaliation based on race, color, or national origin, including shared ancestry, ethnic characteristics, and related forms of discrimination protected by law. Title VI applies to all university programs, activities, and operations that receive federal financial assistance and is intended to ensure that all members of the university community have equal access to educational and employment opportunities free from unlawful discrimination.

Consistent with Touro University's commitment to fostering a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment, the Title VI Coordinator provides leadership, guidance, and oversight regarding the university's efforts to prevent, address, and remedy conduct that may interfere with an individual's ability to participate fully in university programs and activities. This includes coordinating the university's response to reports of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation; ensuring access to supportive measures and resources; monitoring institutional compliance; and helping to identify and address patterns or conditions that may contribute to a hostile environment based on race, color, national origin, shared ancestry, or ethnic characteristics.

The Title VI Coordinator also supports the university's educational mission by promoting awareness of individual rights and responsibilities under Title VI, coordinating training and outreach initiatives, maintaining records required by law, and working collaboratively with students, faculty, staff, and administrators to advance a campus culture grounded in dignity, belonging, mutual respect, and equal opportunity for all members of the Touro community.

Free Speech on Touro Campuses 

Touro seeks to foster a collegial environment where free expression is not only protected but encouraged. Freedom of speech and expression is a fundamental constitutional right and an essential element of the academic experience. 

Touro encourages every member of our community, including students, faculty, and staff, to understand and exercise their First Amendment rights. At the same time, the University’s commitment to free expression does not permit discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, and national origin, including shared ancestry. 

Freedom of expression should not be used as a shield for conduct that undermines the dignity, safety, or equal educational opportunities of others. Expression that interferes with others' rights, disrupts the educational environment, or creates a hostile learning space may require appropriate action in accordance with University policy.

Training

Touro University will provide training to students at orientation as it relates to Title VI. Additionally, online training will be made available in the Touro portal for students and employees. 

Contact Information for the Title VI Coordinator at:

Touro University, Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine (Middletown), New York Medical College, and New York College of Osteopathic Medicine

Matthew Lieberman
3 Times Square, 11^th Floor
New York, NY 10036
Phone: (646) 565-6000 x55667
Email: matthew.lieberman@touro.edu

Such a report may be made at any time (including during non-business hours) by using the telephone number or electronic mail address, or by mail to the office address listed for the Title VI Coordinator.