Free Speech, Academic Freedom, and Title VI:

Friday, April 24, 2026
11:30 am – 12:45 pm
Online

Building on the foundations of the Free Speech & Academic Freedom series, this final session focuses on the intersection of pedagogy and federal civil rights protections. Part 3 assists faculty and Graduate Assistants in recognizing the boundary between protected academic discourse and conduct that may result in discrimination.

This workshop provides a practical framework for identifying potential “hostile environments” and implementing strategies to prevent discrimination based on race, color, and national origin (including shared ancestry). Participants will examine ways to uphold academic rigor while eliminating barriers to education caused by discriminatory conduct.

Key Discussion Topics:

• Title VI & The Hostile Environment: A concise overview of federal legal standards, including thresholds for severity and pervasiveness.
• Conduct vs. Content: Distinguishing between the instruction of controversial subject matter and the discriminatory management of classroom interactions.
• Applied Scenarios: Translating legal frameworks into practical classroom responses and preventative strategies.

This session is intended for Faculty and Graduate Assistants across all disciplines who facilitate classroom discussions or manage instructional environments where sensitive topics are addressed. Participation in the initial two sessions is not a prerequisite.

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Presented by

Lauren Robel
Val Nolan Professor of Law Emerita, Indiana University Maurer School of Law

Jennifer Solidum Rose
Executive Director, Office of Institutional Equity; Title VI and Title IX Coordinator, UH Mānoa

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This event is co-sponsored by Office of Institutional Equity and the OFDAS Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE).