Removal of Disparate Impact and Affirmative Action in Title VI Regulations from the Department of Education Would Harm Students of Color
July 23, 2026Final Rule Would Enable Policies that Disproportionately Harm Students Based on Race, Color, and National Origin
Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC released a joint statement with civil rights organizations condemning the Department of Education’s final rule eliminating disparate impact protections and rescinding longstanding Title VI regulations that supported affirmative action to address discrimination, including those that are remedial measures to address incidents of past discrimination. These actions represent a profound retreat from decades of civil rights enforcement and undermine students’ ability to learn in an environment free from discrimination.
Asian Americans, who are often treated as a monolithic group, face significant implications from these changes. Many underserved Asian American communities, including immigrant-origin and English learner students, continue to face substantial educational disparities that come to light when we disaggregate data. Strong civil rights enforcement has helped to ensure that Asian American and other communities of color receive equitable access, treatment, and outcomes in schools.
See our joint statement here.