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Bill

SB 316

Institutions of Higher Education and Elementary and Secondary Schools - Title VI Coordinators

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jeff Waldstreicher

Maryland schools must appoint Title VI Coordinators to oversee civil rights compliance and discrimination prevention in higher education and K-12 institutions.

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Bill Summary · SB 316

Legislative bill overview

SB 316 requires Maryland institutions of higher education and elementary/secondary schools to designate Title VI Coordinators responsible for ensuring compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin. The bill establishes clear accountability measures for schools to address civil rights violations and coordinate civil rights compliance efforts.

Why is this important

Title VI compliance has been a recurring concern in education enforcement, with federal agencies investigating discrimination complaints at schools and universities. Designating dedicated coordinators creates an institutional point of contact for civil rights issues and may improve responsiveness to discrimination complaints and federal oversight requirements.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Schools may argue that dedicating personnel to this role creates unfunded mandates, particularly for under-resourced districts
  • Scope of authority: Unclear whether coordinators have enforcement powers or are purely administrative liaisons, which could affect their effectiveness
  • Existing compliance structures: Some institutions already have Title VI compliance mechanisms through different departments, raising questions about duplication of effort and efficiency

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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