Department of Education Opens Title VI Investigation into Scripps College

Margaret Fowler Garden at Scripps College. Image via Openverse.

On March 18th, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) opened a Title VI Shared Ancestry investigation into Scripps College. The investigation follows a March 6 complaint filed jointly by the Anti-Defamation League, Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law, and the law firm Arnold & Porter alleging discrimination and harassment against Jewish students at Scripps. 

Title VI of the Higher Education Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in any program or activity that receives federal financial support. The OCR is currently investigating 150 colleges and universities across the country for alleged violations of Title VI, including Pomona College. 

Currently, the Scripps investigation is in the initial phase, during which the OCR reviews submitted complaints and conducts a thorough assessment to determine whether the institution is in compliance with Title VI. In a March 19 email notifying the Scripps community of the investigation, President Amy Marcus-Newhall stated that the “OCR’s investigation of allegations against the College constitutes neither a finding of a violation nor a lawsuit.”

As part of its investigation, OCR gathers evidence through document review, interviews, and, if necessary, an on-site visit to Scripps. If OCR finds evidence of noncompliance, it will draft a resolution that outlines the specific corrective actions required. If violations are confirmed, Scripps may be required to implement measures such as updated anti-discrimination policies, staff training, or remediation of particular incidents. 

Should Scripps fail to fulfill these terms, the college may face consequences, including the potential loss of federal funding. Additionally, OCR may refer the case to the Department of Justice for legal enforcement.

President Marcus-Newhall stated that "Scripps College has been and continues to be committed to providing an inclusive campus environment for all students, faculty, and staff and to abiding by all applicable laws. The College will be cooperating in the investigation process and welcomes the opportunity to respond."