October 30, 2021

Dear Boston Office for Civil Rights:

Harvard University (University) is legally required to enforce Title VI as a condition

of receiving federal funds and regularly certifies to the Department of Education that it
is strictly enforcing all federal civil rights laws including Title VI and Title IX. And yet
the University has recently violated Title VI by holding, hosting, and promoting a
racially-segregated, racially discriminatory “Black Out Performance” in its Loeb Drama
Center on October 29, 2021. An archived website (reproduced below) provides evidence
that the “Macbeth in Stride Black Out Performance” on October 29, 2021, was
designated as “an exclusive space for Black-identifying audience members. For
our non-Black allies, we appreciate your support in making this a completely Black-
identifying evening. We invite you to join us at another performance during the run.”

In violation of Title VI, the University’s “Black Out Performance” described above
illegally excluded and illegally discriminated against non-Black persons on the basis of
their skin color. Please investigate the University for violating Title VI on October 29,
2021, for the “Black Out Performance.”  

Professor Mark J. Perry (email please)