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Pamphlets

image title: Answers to common questions + our FOIA reading roomThe Office for Civil Rights (OCR) works to ensure equal access to education and to promote educational excellence throughout the Nation through vigorous enforcement of civil rights laws. In accordance with this mission, OCR issues pamphlets that provide information about the laws over which it has jurisdiction. Learn about different types of guidance documents, including how to comment on significant guidance. Below, in chronological order, are pamphlets related to race and national origin discrimination, sex discrimination, disability discrimination, age discrimination, and multi-jurisdictional information.

 


 

 

Date

 

Pamphlet


August 2023

  Dear Colleague letter on Activities and Programs that Promote Racially Inclusive School Communities
 

This guidance clarifies the circumstances under which recipients of federal financial assistance from the Department can – consistent with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 – develop curricula or engage in activities that promote racially inclusive school communities, and the guidance includes examples to help school communities assess their Title VI legal obligations and protections.


  • Dear Colleague Letter PDF (638K)

June 2023

  Fact Sheet: Ensuring Meaningful Participation in Advanced Coursework and Specialized Programs for Students Who Are English Learners
 

The fact sheet explains the legal requirements that schools must follow to ensure that eligibility requirements and procedures for specialized or advanced educational programs do not screen out students who are English Learners (ELs) because of their limited English proficiency unless a program is demonstrated to require proficiency in English for meaningful participation.


  • U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, Ensuring Meaningful Participation in Advanced Coursework and Specialized Programs for Students Who Are English Learners (June 2023) PDF (490K)
  • En español (Spanish) PDF (283K)

June 2023

  Fact Sheets on Protecting Access to Education for Migratory and Unaccompanied Children
 

These fact sheets, jointly issued by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights and the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, highlight specific challenges some migratory children and unaccompanied children may face while accessing public education, explain where families can seek help, and remind public schools of their responsibilities to migratory and unaccompanied children under federal civil rights laws.


  • Protecting Access to Education for Migratory Children PDF (257K)
    • En español (Spanish) PDF (219K)
    • Tagalog (Tagalog) PDF (263K)
    • Việt-ngữ (Vietnamese) PDF (331K)
    • kreyòl ayisyen (Haitian Creole) PDF (258K)
  • Protecting Access to Education for Unaccompanied Children PDF (225K)
    • En español (Spanish) PDF (223K)
    • Tagalog (Tagalog) PDF (267K)
    • Việt-ngữ (Vietnamese) PDF (354K)
    • kreyòl ayisyen (Haitian Creole) PDF (262K)

May 2023

  Resource on Confronting Racial Discrimination in Student Discipline
 

This resource, jointly issued by the Departments of Education (ED) and Justice (DOJ), includes examples of investigations of discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in student discipline in pre-K to 12th grade.


  • Resource on Confronting Racial Discrimination in Student Discipline PDF (1.06M)
  • En español (Spanish) PDF (1.06M)

 


January 2023

  Fact Sheet: Diversity & Inclusion Activities Under Title VI
 

This fact sheet confirms for educators, parents, and students that diversity, equity, and inclusion training and similar activities generally are consistent with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.


  • Fact Sheet PDF (185K)
  • En español (Spanish) PDF (160K)
  • العربيّة (Arabic) PDF (254K)
  • 情况说明书 (Sim. Chinese) PDF (364K)
  • 情況說明書 (Trad. Chinese) PDF (302K)
  • 한국어 (Korean) PDF (220K)
  • Tagalog (Tagalog) PDF (145K)
  • Việt-ngữ (Vietnamese) PDF (368K)

 


January 2023

  Fact Sheet: Protecting Students from Discrimination Based on Shared Ancestry or Ethnic Characteristics
 

This fact sheet shares information about protections for all students, including students belonging to any religious group, from discrimination under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 based on shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics.


Fact Sheet: Protecting Students from Discrimination Based on Shared Ancestry or Ethnic Characteristics PDF (297K)

 


August 2021

  Fact Sheet: Confronting Discrimination Based on National Origin and Immigration Status
 

This fact sheet shares information about public elementary and secondary schools’ obligations to enroll all children, regardless of national origin or immigration status, and to provide language assistance services to English learners.

Fact Sheet: Confronting Discrimination Based on National Origin and Immigration Status PDF (534K)
En español PDF (557K)
情况说明书 (Sim. Chinese) PDF (175K)
情況說明書 (Trad. Chinese) PDF (197K)
العربيّة (Arabic) PDF (223K)
Việt-ngữ (Vietnamese) PDF (616K)
Af-Soomaali (Somali) PDF (611K)
kreyòl ayisyen (Haitian Creole) PDF (585K)
فارسی (Dari) PDF (420K)
پښتو (Pashto) PDF (355K)

 


May 2021

  Fact Sheet: Confronting COVID-19-Related Harassment in Schools
 

This fact sheet, a resource for students and families, shares information about schools’ obligation to investigate and address discrimination, including harassment, targeting students because of their race or national origin.

Fact Sheet: Confronting COVID-19-Related Harassment in Schools PDF (507K)
情况说明书 (Sim. Chinese) PDF (943K)
情況說明書 (Trad. Chinese) PDF (646K)
한국어 (Korean) PDF (571K)
Tagalog (Tagalog) PDF (488K)
Việt-ngữ (Vietnamese) PDF (464K)

 


June 2016

  Fact Sheet: Combating Discrimination Against Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) and Muslim, Arab, Sikh, and South Asian (MASSA) Students
  Fact Sheet: Combating Discrimination Against Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) and Muslim, Arab, Sikh, and South Asian (MASSA) Students PDF (239.29K)

July 2012

  Title VI Enforcement Highlights Office for Civil Rights
  Title VI Enforcement Highlights Office for Civil Rights PDF (1.26M)

(Revised January 2011)

  Ensuring Equal Access To High-Quality Education
  This pamphlet provides an overview of the legal responsibilities of the Office for Civil Rights and how they are carried out by resolving discrimination complaints, conducting compliance reviews, and providing technical assistance. There is also information on the impact of the civil rights laws in improving educational opportunities for students.

2010

  How to File a Discrimination Complaint With the Office for Civil Rights
  This pamphlet provides information on how to file a complaint for anyone who believes that an education institution that receives federal financial assistance has discriminated against someone on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age, or who believes that a public elementary or secondary school, or state or local education agency has violated the Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act, may file a complaint.

(Revised September 2004)

  Office for Civil Rights: Ensuring Equal Access To High-Quality Education
  This pamphlet provides an overview of the legal responsibilities of the Office for Civil Rights and how they are carried out by resolving discrimination complaints, conducting compliance reviews, and providing technical assistance. There is also information on the impact of the civil rights laws in improving educational opportunities for students.

2000

  Regulations for Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
 

Non-discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in education programs and activities receiving or benefiting from Federal financial assistance. These regulations were published by the Department of Education and codified at codified at 34 CFR Part 100, as amended, 65 Fed. Reg. 68050 (November 13, 2000).


1999

  Impact of the Civil Rights Laws
 

This pamphlet describes the impact of the civil rights laws, and other efforts at the national, state, and local level, in bringing about improved educational opportunities for millions of students attending our elementary and secondary schools and colleges and universities.


1994

  Racial Harassment / OCR Investigative Guidance
  Racial Incidents and Harassment Against Students at Educational Institutions; Investigative Guidance. Investigative guidance on the procedures and analysis that OCR staff will follow when investigating issues of racial incidents and harassment against student at educational institutions. This guidance was published in the Federal Register, Vol. 59, No. 47 (Mar. 10, 1994).

1994

  Notice of final policy guidance. Nondiscrimination in Federally assisted programs
 

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The final policy guidance discusses the applicability of the statutes' and regulations' nondiscrimination requirement to student financial aid that is awarded, at least in part, on the basis of race or national origin. This guidance was originally published in the Federal Register, Vol. 59, No. 36 (Feb. 23, 1994).


1994

  Notice of application of Supreme Court Decision in United States v. Fordice
 

The notice describes the effect of the Supreme Court's decision on the U.S. Department of Education enforcement policies under Title VI and was published at 59 Fed. Reg. 4271 (Jan. 31, 1994).


1992

  Placement of School Children with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. (Code No. 14)
  This pamphlet summarizes the requirements pertaining to counseling practices contained in the regulations implementing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of Education Amendments of 1972, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

1991

  The Guidance Counselor's Role in Ensuring Equal Educational Opportunity. (Code No. 23)
  This pamphlet summarizes the requirements pertaining to counseling practices contained in the regulations implementing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of Education Amendments of 1972, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

1991

  Non-Discrimination in Employment Practices in Education (Code No. 12)
  This pamphlet summarizes the employment requirements under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Date

 

Pamphlet


February 2023

  Resources on Title IX & Athletic Opportunities
 

These resources share information about how students, parents, coaches, athletic directors, and school officials can evaluate whether a school is meeting its obligation to provide equal athletic opportunity regardless of sex consistent with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.

  • Supporting Equal Opportunity in School Athletic Programs PDF (243K)
  • Title IX and Athletic Opportunities in K-12 Schools PDF (378K)
  • Title IX and Athletic Opportunities in Colleges and Universities PDF (421K)

October 2022

  Discrimination Based on Pregnancy and Related Conditions - A Resource for Students and Schools
 

The resource reminds school communities, including students, faculty, families, and educators, that Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 protects students and employees from discrimination based on pregnancy and related conditions.

  • Discrimination Based on Pregnancy and Related Conditions - A Resource for Students and Schools (English) PDF (130K)


October 2021

  Fact Sheet: Supporting Intersex Students
 

This fact sheet, a resource for students, families, and educators, shares information about how schools can support the dignity, safety, and well-being of intersex students.

  • Fact Sheet: Supporting Intersex Students (English) PDF (486K)

    En español PDF (158K)

June 2021

  Fact Sheet: Confronting Anti-LGBTQI+ Harassment in Schools
 

This fact sheet, a resource for students and families, shares information about schools’ obligation to investigate and address discrimination, including harassment, against students because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Pursuant to a Federal court order, the Departments have been preliminarily “enjoined and restrained from implementing" this document against the states of Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, South Carolina, South Dakota, and West Virginia. See State of Tenn., et al. v. U.S. Dep’t of Educ., No. 3:21-cv-308 (E.D. Tenn.) (July 15, 2022).

  • Fact Sheet: Confronting Anti-LGBTQI+ Harassment in Schools (English) PDF (335K)En español PDF (1.2M)


June 2013

  Pamphlet: Supporting the Academic Success of Pregnant and Parenting Students Under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
 

This pamphlet clarifies the specific requirements of Title IX applicable to pregnant and parenting students. The pamphlet contains a FAQ section that explains the Title IX requirements and provides examples to ensure that schools understand their obligations and pregnant and parenting students understand their rights under Title IX. The pamphlet also provides information on strategies that educators may use and programs schools can develop to address the educational needs of students who become pregnant or have children. It also provides examples of promising practices designed to support pregnant and parenting students that schools may choose to implement.

 

  • Supporting the Academic Success of Pregnant and Parenting Students Under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 PDF (251K)

  • Know Your Rights PDF (412K)
    En español PDF (410K)


June 2012

  Title IX Enforcement Highlights Office for Civil Rights
 
  • Title IX Enforcement Highlights Office for Civil Rights PDF (948K)


(Revised January 2011)

  Ensuring Equal Access To High-Quality Education
  This pamphlet provides an overview of the legal responsibilities of the Office for Civil Rights and how they are carried out by resolving discrimination complaints, conducting compliance reviews, and providing technical assistance. There is also information on the impact of the civil rights laws in improving educational opportunities for students.

2010

  How to File a Discrimination Complaint With the Office for Civil Rights
  This pamphlet provides information on how to file a complaint for anyone who believes that an education institution that receives federal financial assistance has discriminated against someone on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age, or who believes that a public elementary or secondary school, or state or local education agency has violated the Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act, may file a complaint.

(Revised 2008)

  Sexual Harassment: It's Not Academic (Code No. 16)
 

This pamphlet addresses issues of sexual harassment of students by school employees, other students, and non-employee third parties. It is intended for use by school administrators and other employees in understanding a school's obligations under Title IX, and by students and their parents in understanding student rights in this area. The pamphlet answers questions about sexual harassment, including how to recognize, respond to, and prevent sexual harassment. It also provides information about how to file a complaint with OCR.

  • Sexual Harassment: It's Not Academic Pamphlet PDF (10M)


1999

  Impact of the Civil Rights Laws
 

This pamphlet describes the impact of the civil rights laws, and other efforts at the national, state, and local level, in bringing about improved educational opportunities for millions of students attending our elementary and secondary schools and colleges and universities.


(Revised 1998)

  Title IX and Sex Discrimination (Code No. 6)
 

This pamphlet summarizes the requirements pertaining to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities which receive Federal financial assistance from the Department of Education.

 

  • El Título IX Y La Discriminación Por Sexo PDF (2M)


1997

  Title IX: 25 Years Of Progress
  An overview of the impact of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs receiving Federal financial assistance. The brochure describes the impact of Title IX in improving educational opportunities for students during its 25 years in existence.

1992

  Placement of School Children with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. (Code No. 14)
  This pamphlet summarizes the requirements pertaining to counseling practices contained in the regulations implementing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of Education Amendments of 1972, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

1991

  Equal Opportunity in Intercollegiate Athletics
  This pamphlet summarizes Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs receiving Federal financial assistance from the Department. Athletics is considered an integral part of an institution's education program and is therefore covered by this law.

1991

  The Guidance Counselor's Role in Ensuring Equal Educational Opportunity
  This pamphlet summarizes the requirements pertaining to counseling practices contained in the regulations implementing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of Education Amendments of 1972, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

1991

  Non-Discrimination in Employment Practices in Education (Code No. 12)
  This pamphlet summarizes the employment requirements under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Date

 

Pamphlet


(February 2024)

  Fact Sheets Addressing Certain Medical Conditions
  The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has issued four fact sheets on the disability-related rights of students with asthma, diabetes, food allergies, and gastroesophageal reflux (GER) or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Each fact sheet describes the medical condition, explains how the medical condition may affect a student at school, and provides examples of the steps schools may be required to take to address the needs of a student whose medical condition substantially limits one or more of their major life activities. Each fact sheet also discusses remedies that may be necessary if a school does not appropriately address the needs of a student with a disability because of the medical condition.

Fact Sheet: Section 504 Protections for Students with Asthma PDF (233K)
Fact Sheet: Section 504 Protections for Students with Diabetes PDF (235K)
Fact Sheet: Section 504 Protections for Students with Food Allergies PDF (262K)
Fact Sheet: Section 504 Protections for Students with GER or GERD PDF (233K)


(May 2023)

  Dear Colleague Letter on Postsecondary Online Accessibility
  The Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) have issued a dear colleague letter regarding the Departments’ ongoing efforts to address barriers that prevent people with disabilities from participating in online services, programs, and activities that colleges, universities, and other postsecondary institutions make available to students and the public. The letter describes current online accessibility challenges, highlights recent DOJ and OCR enforcement actions that have improved online accessibility at postsecondary institutions across the country, and provides resources about Federal laws that protect the rights of students with disabilities.

“Dear Colleague” Letter PDF (301K)


(July 2022)

  Supporting Students with Disabilities and Avoiding the Discriminatory Use of Student Discipline Under Section 504
  The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has issued a fact sheet that provides a brief overview of guidance on the rights of public school students with disabilities, including behavioral disabilities, at the elementary and secondary education level, to nondiscrimination on the basis of disability, under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, in the context of discipline. The fact sheet is intended to help educators, administrators, parents, students, and other stakeholders better understand how compliance with Section 504 requirements to provide a free appropriate public education to students with disabilities can result in schools’ providing effective services and behavioral supports to address student behavior that is based on a student’s disability and could otherwise lead to discipline.

Fact Sheet PDF (299K)   [OCR-000134]


(May 2022)

  Disability-Related Rights of Student Veterans with Disabilities
  The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued a Frequently Asked Questions document on the disability-related rights of student veterans with disabilities in higher education. Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, colleges and universities that receive federal funds are required to provide appropriate academic adjustments to qualified student veterans with disabilities to ensure they are afforded an equal opportunity to achieve academic success. Student veterans with a disability, as defined under Section 504, are entitled to disability civil rights protections regardless of whether the military or U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has determined that these veterans have a total or partial disability.

FAQs on the Disability-Related Rights of Student Veterans with Disabilities PDF (159K)

En español (Spanish) PDF (474K)


(February 2022)

  Providing Students with Disabilities Free Appropriate Public Education During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Addressing the Need for Compensatory Services Under Section 504
  The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) released a fact sheet reminding schools of their obligation to ensure free appropriate public education (FAPE) under Section 504 for students with disabilities during the pandemic, including schools’ responsibilities to provide compensatory services. Even with the unique challenges the COVID-19 pandemic presents, students with disabilities retain their right to FAPE under Section 504. If a student with a disability did not receive appropriate evaluations or services, then it must be determined whether, and to what extent, compensatory services are required.

Fact Sheet: Providing Students with Disabilities Free Appropriate Public Education During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Addressing the Need for Compensatory Services Under Section 504 PDF (294.6K)


(October 2021)

  Supporting and Protecting the Rights of Students at Risk of Self-Harm in the Era of COVID-19
  This fact sheet, issued jointly with the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, shares information about students’ rights. Specifically, it discusses students’ right to be free from discrimination on the basis of mental health disability and to receive the services, reasonable modifications, or academic adjustments they may need, in accordance with Section 504 and the ADA, as applicable. It also provides resources to aid schools in supporting students who may be at risk for self-harm.
Fact Sheet: Supporting and Protecting the Rights of Students at Risk of Self-Harm in the Era of COVID-19 PDF (661K)

(October 2012)

  504 Disability Rights Enforcement Highlights
  504 Disability Rights Enforcement Highlights PDF (1.1M)

(Revisión: Enero del 2012)

  Estudiantes con discapacidades preparandose para la educación postsecundaria: Conozca sus derechos y responsabilidades
  Este panfleto contiene información para estudiantes con discapacidades que planean continuar con estudios superiores. (Spanish version of "Students with Disabilities Preparing for Postsecondary Education")

(Revised September 2011)

  Students with Disabilities Preparing for Postsecondary Education: Know Your Rights and Responsibilities
 

This pamphlet contains information for high school students with disabilities who plan to continue their education in postsecondary schools. A Spanish version also is available (see Spanish version of "Students with Disabilities Preparing for Postsecondary Education: Know Your Rights and Responsibilities").


(Revised March 2011)

  Transition of Students with Disabilities to Postsecondary Education: A Guide for High School Educators
  This document provides high school educators with answers to questions students with disabilities may have as they prepare to move to the postsecondary education environment.

(Revised January 2011)

  Ensuring Equal Access To High-Quality Education
  This pamphlet provides an overview of the legal responsibilities of the Office for Civil Rights and how they are carried out by resolving discrimination complaints, conducting compliance reviews, and providing technical assistance. There is also information on the impact of the civil rights laws in improving educational opportunities for students.

(Revised August 2010)

  Student Placement in Elementary and Secondary Schools and Section 504 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (Code No. 19)
  This publication explains Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans With Disabilities Act and how they affect student placement in elementary and secondary schools. It also explains evaluation and placement procedures, the educational setting, reevaluations, the individualized education program, procedural safeguards, and nonacademic services and activities.

2010

  How to File a Discrimination Complaint With the Office for Civil Rights
  This pamphlet provides information on how to file a complaint for anyone who believes that an education institution that receives federal financial assistance has discriminated against someone on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age, or who believes that a public elementary or secondary school, or state or local education agency has violated the Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act, may file a complaint.

(Revised September 2007)

  Free Appropriate Public Education for Students with Disabilities: Requirements Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
 

This pamphlet answers the following questions about FAPE: Who is entitled to a free appropriate public education? How is an appropriate education defined? How is a free education defined?


1999

  Impact of the Civil Rights Laws
 

This pamphlet describes the impact of the civil rights laws, and other efforts at the national, state, and local level, in bringing about improved educational opportunities for millions of students attending our elementary and secondary schools and colleges and universities.


1998

  Auxiliary Aids and Services for Postsecondary Students with Disabilities: Higher Education's Obligations Under Section 504 and Title II of the ADA
  This pamphlet reviews the obligations of higher education institutions to serve students with disabilities. This pamphlet also includes answers to questions commonly asked by students and representatives of postsecondary institutions.

1995

  The Civil Rights of Students with Hidden Disabilities Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Code No. 22)
  This pamphlet answers questions about the civil rights of students with hidden disabilities and the responsibilities of ED recipients.

1992

  Placement of School Children with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (Code No. 14)
  This pamphlet describes the requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, with respect to elementary and secondary school policies involving the placement of children with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

1991

  The Americans with Disabilities Act
  This pamphlet, published by the Department of Justice (DOJ), contains a brief overview of the Americans with Disabilities Act and lists contact information.

1991

  The Guidance Counselor's Role in Ensuring Equal Educational Opportunity
  This pamphlet summarizes the requirements pertaining to counseling practices contained in the regulations implementing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of Education Amendments of 1972, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

1991

  Non-Discrimination in Employment Practices in Education (Code No. 12)
  This pamphlet summarizes the employment requirements under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Date

 

Pamphlet


(Revised January 2011)

  Ensuring Equal Access To High-Quality Education
  This pamphlet provides an overview of the legal responsibilities of the Office for Civil Rights and how they are carried out by resolving discrimination complaints, conducting compliance reviews, and providing technical assistance. There is also information on the impact of the civil rights laws in improving educational opportunities for students.

2010

  How to File a Discrimination Complaint With the Office for Civil Rights
  This pamphlet provides information on how to file a complaint for anyone who believes that an education institution that receives federal financial assistance has discriminated against someone on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age, or who believes that a public elementary or secondary school, or state or local education agency has violated the Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act, may file a complaint.

1999

  Impact of the Civil Rights Laws
 

This pamphlet describes the impact of the civil rights laws, and other efforts at the national, state, and local level, in bringing about improved educational opportunities for millions of students attending our elementary and secondary schools and colleges and universities.

Date

 

Pamphlet


(Revised January 2011)

  Ensuring Equal Access To High-Quality Education
  This pamphlet provides an overview of the legal responsibilities of the Office for Civil Rights and how they are carried out by resolving discrimination complaints, conducting compliance reviews, and providing technical assistance. There is also information on the impact of the civil rights laws in improving educational opportunities for students.

2010

  How to File a Discrimination Complaint With the Office for Civil Rights
  This pamphlet provides information on how to file a complaint for anyone who believes that an education institution that receives federal financial assistance has discriminated against someone on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age, or who believes that a public elementary or secondary school, or state or local education agency has violated the Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act, may file a complaint.

Date

 

Pamphlet

(July 2023)

  U.S. Department of Education Releases Resources for Elementary, Secondary, and Postsecondary Schools
 

These collections, for both elementary and secondary schools PDF (699K) and postsecondary institutions PDF (605K), are designed to assist in planning for a successful and equitable return to schools and campuses. They include fact sheets, Q&As, letters to educators, and other materials explaining the obligations that elementary, secondary, and postsecondary schools have under the federal civil rights laws enforced by OCR to provide educational environments free from discrimination.


(May 2023)

  U.S. Department of Education Releases Binder of Resources for Elementary, Secondary, and Postsecondary Schools
 

These collections, for both elementary and secondary schools PDF (964K) and postsecondary institutions PDF (897K) UPDATED!, are designed to assist in planning for a successful and equitable return to schools and campuses. They include fact sheets, Q&As, letters to educators, and other materials explaining the obligations that elementary, secondary, and postsecondary schools have under the federal civil rights laws enforced by OCR to provide educational environments free from discrimination.


(September 2022)

  U.S. Department of Education Releases Binder of Resources for Elementary, Secondary, and Postsecondary Schools
 

These collections, for both elementary and secondary schools PDF (719K) and postsecondary institutions PDF (1.5M) UPDATED!, are designed to assist in planning for a successful and equitable return to schools and campuses. They include fact sheets, Q&As, letters to educators, and other materials explaining the obligations that elementary, secondary, and postsecondary schools have under the federal civil rights laws enforced by OCR to provide educational environments free from discrimination.


(October 2021)

  National Bullying Prevention Month
 

Bullying Prevention Webinar (slides) PDF (189K)
Bullying Prevention Webinar (video)


(September 2021)

  U.S. Department of Education Releases Binder of Resources for Elementary, Secondary, and Postsecondary Schools
 

These collections, for both elementary and secondary schools PDF (732K) and postsecondary institutions PDF (632K) UPDATED!, are designed to assist in planning for a successful and equitable return to schools and campuses. They include fact sheets, Q&As, letters to educators, and other materials explaining the obligations that elementary, secondary, and postsecondary schools have under the federal civil rights laws enforced by OCR to provide educational environments free from discrimination.


(June 2021)

  U.S. Department of Education Publishes Report on the Disparate Impacts of COVID-19 on Students in Elementary, Secondary, and Postsecondary Education
 

This report PDF (1.95M) explores how the impacts of COVID-19 are falling disproportionately on students who went into the pandemic with the fewest educational opportunities, many of whom are from marginalized and underserved communities, with early research showing disparities based on race, ethnicity, LGBTQ+ identity, and other factors.


(May 2021)

  U.S. Department of Education Publishes New Questions & Answers on Civil Rights and School Reopening in the COVID-19 Environment
 

This Question & Answer  PDF (1.40M) resource provides information about schools’ responsibilities under the civil rights laws and is designed to help students, families, schools and the public support all students’ rights in educational environments, including in elementary and secondary schools and postsecondary institutions, during the COVID-19 pandemic. 


(December 2016)

  Achieving Simple Justice: Highlights of Activities, Office for Civil Rights (2009-2016)
  This publication PDF (13.84K) describes the significant progress made by the Department and the Office for Civil Rights from 2009-2016 to increase educational equity nationwide and reduce discriminatory barriers faced by students.

(Revised January 2011)

  Ensuring Equal Access To High-Quality Education
  This pamphlet provides an overview of the legal responsibilities of the Office for Civil Rights and how they are carried out by resolving discrimination complaints, conducting compliance reviews, and providing technical assistance. There is also information on the impact of the civil rights laws in improving educational opportunities for students.

2010

  How to File a Discrimination Complaint With the Office for Civil Rights
  This pamphlet provides information on how to file a complaint for anyone who believes that an education institution that receives federal financial assistance has discriminated against someone on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age, or who believes that a public elementary or secondary school, or state or local education agency has violated the Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act, may file a complaint.

1999

  Impact of the Civil Rights Laws
  This pamphlet describes the impact of the civil rights laws, and other efforts at the national, state, and local level, in bringing about improved educational opportunities for millions of students attending our elementary and secondary schools and colleges and universities.

1992

  Placement of School Children with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. (Code No. 14)
  This pamphlet summarizes the requirements pertaining to counseling practices contained in the regulations implementing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of Education Amendments of 1972, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

1991

  The Guidance Counselor's Role in Ensuring Equal Educational Opportunity
  This pamphlet summarizes the requirements pertaining to counseling practices contained in the regulations implementing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of Education Amendments of 1972, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

1991

  Non-Discrimination in Employment Practices in Education (Code No. 12)
  This pamphlet summarizes the employment requirements under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973


   
Last Modified: 03/14/2024