Institutions of Higher Education and Elementary and Secondary Schools - Title VI Coordinators
HB 109 requires every governing board of a Maryland institution of higher education and every local school system to designate a Title VI Coordinator. The coordinator’s role is to ensure compliance with Title VI of the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964, with responsibilities that include overseeing compliance, promoting equal access and participation, providing training and educational resources, documenting and investigating complaints, maintaining records and reports, and carrying out other duties assigned by the institution or school system.
The bill also amends Maryland’s education discrimination complaint process for elementary and secondary schools. A person alleging discrimination under the relevant subtitle may file a complaint with the State Superintendent, the local school system’s Title VI Coordinator if applicable, or both. Parents or guardians may file on behalf of a minor, and complaints must specify the relief or remedy requested. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.
HB 109 would add new statutory duties in the Education Article by creating Title VI coordinator requirements for both higher education institutions and local school systems, and by revising the complaint-filing provisions for school discrimination claims. It would require affected public and private higher education governing bodies, as well as local school systems, to establish compliance structures, training, documentation, and reporting processes tied to federal civil rights law. It also expands the avenues available for discrimination complaints in K-12 settings by allowing filing with a local Title VI Coordinator where applicable.
The available context suggests the bill was presented as a civil rights and compliance measure rather than a controversial policy change. Its purpose is framed around ensuring equal access, improving complaint handling, and aligning institutions and school systems with Title VI obligations. No vote totals or committee testimony are provided, so there is no recorded evidence of formal support or opposition in the supplied materials.
The main potential points of contention are administrative burden, implementation costs, and the scope of responsibility placed on schools and colleges. Institutions and local school systems may need to create or expand compliance offices, train staff, maintain records, and investigate complaints, which could raise concerns about staffing and resources. Another possible issue is the overlap between the new local Title VI Coordinator process and existing complaint channels through the State Superintendent, though the bill appears to allow filing with either or both.