Lansing, MI- Agustin V. Arbulu, Director of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, has issued the following statement in response to reports of bias incidents in Michigan schools:

“As the Director of the Department of Civil Rights, I am gravely concerned about recent reports of harassment in Michigan schools and colleges targeting students of color or of a different race or ethnicity. We urge schools and parents throughout the state to be vigilant and to intervene immediately when incidents such as the one in Royal Oak take place.”

“The Department has an obligation to act when individuals are harassed or intimidated due to their ethnicity, race, color or disability. Our investigators are prepared to take complaints and to fully investigate any claims.  Most importantly, we want schools and colleges to know that we are here as a resource, ready to do whatever we can to assist them in preventing such incidents from happening, and to help with the healing process if they do.”

To file a complaint, to request the Department’s assistance, or to report harassment or a hate crime, call 1-800-482-3604 or visit www.michigan.gov/MDCR and click on “File A Complaint.”

The Michigan Department of Civil Rights is charged with investigating and resolving discrimination complaints and works to prevent discrimination through educational programs that promote voluntary compliance with civil rights laws. The Department also provides information and services to businesses on diversity initiatives and equal employment law.  For more information on the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, go to www.michigan.gov/mdcr.