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Civil Rights Laws

ED is committed to enforcing civil rights laws in our nation's schools.

Civil rights laws enforced by ED extend to all state education agencies, elementary and secondary school systems, colleges and universities, vocational schools, proprietary schools, state vocational rehabilitation agencies, libraries, and museums that receive U.S. Department of Education funds. 

File a Complaint

Learn how to file a civil rights complaint and how ED handles the complaint resolution process.

Access to Equal Education Opportunity

ED works to ensure that schools, districts, colleges, and universities satisfy their Title VI obligation to give students equal access to education.

Education and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

This law prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance.

Civil Rights Data Collection

Get wide-ranging education data collected from our nation's public schools, including information about demographics, enrollment, and discipline.

FAQs About a Student's Civil Rights

Get answers to the most frequently asked questions about sex, age, race, and disability discrimination in our nation's schools.

Office for Civil Rights (OCR)

OCR’s mission is to ensure equal access to education and to promote educational excellence through vigorous enforcement of civil rights laws.

Harrassment Protection Resources

OCR provides guidance and support to schools and colleges to help ensure their programs are free from discrimination

Protect students

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Reading Room

Find a variety of publications that set forth the rights of students and others to be free from discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, and age.

 

Browse publications

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Office of Communications and Outreach (OCO)
Page Last Reviewed:
December 4, 2024