| Date | Title | Date Added to Portal | Statute | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12/12/2024 | 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 inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), migraine, narcolepsy, and stuttering. 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.
| 12/12/2024 | Title VI / Title IX / Section 504 | |
| 12/10/2024 | Civil Rights Protections Against Retaliation This Resource reminds school communities that all of the federal civil rights laws enforced by OCR prohibit retaliation. The resource explains the key elements of retaliation, outlines how OCR assesses retaliation claims, and provides examples that, depending on the facts and circumstances, could raise concerns of unlawful retaliation. | 12/10/2024 | Title VI/ Title IX/ Section 504/ Title II/ Age Act | |
| 11/19/2024 | Avoiding the Discriminatory Use of Artificial Intelligence The Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) today issued a new Resource to assist school communities with ensuring that artificial intelligence (AI) is used in a nondiscriminatory manner in the nation’s elementary and secondary schools and institutions of higher education consistent with federal civil rights laws. The resource makes clear that AI technologies have the potential to enhance opportunities and increase educational equity for all students, but that at the same time, the growing use of AI in schools, including for instructional and school safety purposes, and AI’s ability to operate on a mass scale can create or contribute to discrimination. The resource provides information on the legal analyses that OCR uses to determine whether discrimination exists, and provides examples of conduct that could, depending on facts and circumstances, present OCR with sufficient reason to open an investigation. | 11/19/2024 | Title VI / Title IX / Section 504 | |
| 09/24/2024 | Fact Sheets Addressing Certain Mental Health Conditions The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has issued four fact sheets on the disability-related rights of students with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and eating disorders. Each fact sheet describes the mental health condition, explains how the mental health 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 mental health 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 mental health condition.
| 09/24/2024 | Section 504 | |
| 09/12/2024 | 2024 Title IX Regulations: Impact on Title IX Coordinator Duties In April 2024, the Department issued a Final Rule amending the Department’s regulations implementing Title IX. The April 2024 final regulations promote educational equity and opportunity for students across the country by strengthening and clarifying protections that address all forms of sex discrimination, including sex-based harassment and sexual violence. The April 2024 final regulations advance Title IX's promise of ensuring that no person experiences sex discrimination, as well as accountability and fairness, while empowering and supporting students and families.
| 09/12/2024 | Title IX | |
| 09/12/2024 | 2024 Title IX Regulations: Nondiscrimination Based on Pregnancy or Related Conditions & Parental, Family, or Marital Status In April 2024, the Department issued a Final Rule amending the Department’s regulations implementing Title IX. The April 2024 final regulations promote educational equity and opportunity for students across the country by strengthening and clarifying protections that address all forms of sex discrimination, including sex-based harassment and sexual violence. The April 2024 final regulations advance Title IX's promise of ensuring that no person experiences sex discrimination, as well as accountability and fairness, while empowering and supporting students and families.
| 09/12/2024 | Title IX | |
| 08/01/2024 | 2024 Title IX Regulations: Small Entity Compliance Guide In April 2024, the Department issued a Final Rule amending the Department’s regulations implementing Title IX. The April 2024 final regulations promote educational equity and opportunity for students across the country by strengthening and clarifying protections that address all forms of sex discrimination, including sex-based harassment and sexual violence. The April 2024 final regulations advance Title IX's promise of ensuring that no person experiences sex discrimination, as well as accountability and fairness, while empowering and supporting students and families.
| 08/01/2024 | Title IX | |
| 07/24/2024 | 2024 Title IX Regulations: Pointers for Implementation In April 2024, the Department issued a Final Rule amending the Department’s regulations implementing Title IX. The April 2024 final regulations promote educational equity and opportunity for students across the country by strengthening and clarifying protections that address all forms of sex discrimination, including sex-based harassment and sexual violence. The April 2024 final regulations advance Title IX's promise of ensuring that no person experiences sex discrimination, as well as accountability and fairness, while empowering and supporting students and families.
| 07/24/2024 | Title IX | |
| 07/02/2024 | Fact Sheet: Harassment based on Race, Color, or National Origin on School Campuses This fact sheet reminds schools of their federal civil rights obligations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI) and its implementing regulations to take prompt and effective action to respond to harassment that creates a hostile environment. The fact sheet describes how OCR determines the existence of a hostile environment and details schools’ obligations to address and remedy a hostile environment. The fact sheet also provides hypothetical examples to help schools assess their Title VI obligations, including the requirement to promptly and effectively address alleged acts of discrimination, including harassment.
| 07/02/2024 | Title VI | |
| 05/07/2024 | Dear Colleague Letter: Protecting Students from Discrimination, such as Harassment, Based on Race, Color, or National Origin, including Shared Ancestry or Ethnic Characteristics The Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) today issued a new Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) to share resources about federal civil rights obligations of schools and other recipients of federal financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education (Department) to ensure nondiscrimination based on race, color, or national origin under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and its implementing regulations, specifically with respect to students and school community members who are or are perceived to be Jewish, Israeli, Muslim, Arab, Sikh, South Asian, Hindu, or Palestinian or students of any other faith or whose families come from any other region of the world. This guidance responds to recent increases in complaints filed with OCR raising these issues as well as to public reports of discrimination on these bases in schools serving students in preschool through grade 12 and colleges and universities throughout the country. This letter is one component of the Biden-Harris Administration’s National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism and the forthcoming National Strategy to Counter Islamophobia and Related Forms of Bias and Discrimination.
| 05/07/2024 | Title VI | |
| 04/19/2024 | 2024 Title IX Regulations: Resource for Drafting Nondiscrimination Policies, Notices of Nondiscrimination, and Grievance Procedures
In April 2024, the Department issued a Final Rule amending the Department’s regulations implementing Title IX. The April 2024 final regulations promote educational equity and opportunity for students across the country by strengthening and clarifying protections that address all forms of sex discrimination, including sex-based harassment and sexual violence. The April 2024 final regulations advance Title IX's promise of ensuring that no person experiences sex discrimination, as well as accountability and fairness, while empowering and supporting students and families.
| 04/19/2024 | Title IX | |
| 03/14/2024 | Dear Colleague Letter on Addressing Discrimination Against Muslim, Arab, Sikh, South Asian, Hindu, and Palestinian Students
The Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued a new Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) reminding schools of their obligations to address discrimination against Muslim, Arab, Sikh, South Asian, Hindu, and Palestinian students. This letter is one component of the Biden-Harris Administration’s National Strategy to Counter Islamophobia and Related Forms of Bias and Discrimination and is issued ahead of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, which will be observed on March 15, 2024.
| 03/14/2024 | Title VI | |
| 11/07/2023 | Dear Colleague Letter on Discrimination, including Harassment, Based on Shared Ancestry or Ethnic Characteristics The Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) today issued a new Dear Colleague Letter to remind schools of their legal obligations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to provide all students, including students who are or are perceived to be Jewish, Israeli, Muslim, Arab, or Palestinian, a school environment free from discrimination based on race, color, or national origin, including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics, or citizenship or residency in a country with a dominant religion or distinct religious identity. OCR is releasing this Dear Colleague Letter in response to increased public reports of harassing conduct in colleges, universities, and P-12 schools related to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
| 11/07/2023 | Title VI | |
| 08/24/2023 | Dear Colleague Letter on Race and School Programming This resource 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 (Title VI) and its implementing regulations – develop curricula and programs or engage in activities that promote racially inclusive school communities. It explains that schools may be in violation of Title VI when they separate students based on race even if programming for each group is identical. Schools also may be in violation of Title VI when they create, encourage, accept, tolerate, or fail to correct a racially hostile educational environment.
| 08/24/2023 | Title VI | |
| 08/14/2023 | Resources on Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College and Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. University of North Carolina et al. (SFFA cases) The Departments of Education and Justice jointly released resources to help colleges and universities understand and comply with the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in the SFFA cases. The Dear Colleague Letter reaffirms our commitment to ensuring that colleges and universities remain open to all, regardless of race. The Q&A distills the Court’s core holding and offers examples of steps colleges and universities can lawfully take to achieve a student body that is diverse across a range of factors, including race and ethnicity, such as: targeted outreach, recruitment, and pathway programs; collection and consideration of demographic data; evaluation of admission policies; and retention strategies and programs. | 08/14/2023 | Title VI | |
| 05/26/2023 | Resource on Confronting Racial Discrimination in Student Discipline The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights and the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division jointly released a Resource on Confronting Racial Discrimination in Student Discipline. The resource highlights examples of the Departments' investigations of discrimination in student discipline on the basis of race, color, or national origin under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Departments’ Title VI regulations.
| 05/26/2023 | Title VI | |
| 05/25/2023 | Dear Colleague Letter on Addressing Discrimination Against Jewish Students The Office for Civil Rights issued a new Dear Colleague Letter reminding schools of their legal obligations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to provide all students, including students who are or are perceived to be Jewish, a school environment free from discrimination based on race, color, or national origin, including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics. OCR is releasing this Dear Colleague Letter as part of the Department’s launch of an Antisemitism Awareness Campaign.
| 05/25/2023 | Title VI | |
| 07/19/2022 | Guidance on Supporting Students with Disabilities and Avoiding the Discriminatory Use of Student Discipline under Section 504. The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has issued 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. OCR also issued a fact sheet summarizing key points in the Section 504 guidance for students with disabilities and their parents, as well as others who need a quick reference to this important information about students’ rights and schools’ obligations not to discriminate on the basis of disability.
| 07/19/2022 | Section 504 | |
| 05/23/2022 | FAQs on the 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. | 05/23/2022 | Section 504 | |
| 02/17/2022 | Providing Students with Disabilities Free Appropriate Public Education During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Addressing the Need for Compensatory Services Under Section 504
Section 504 is a Federal law that prohibits disability discrimination and guarantees that students with disabilities have equal access to educational opportunities, including a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in public elementary and secondary schools.FAPE under Section 504 is the provision of regular or special education and related aids and services that are designed to meet the individual educational needs of students with disabilities as adequately as the needs of non-disabled students are met.
| * | ADA Title II / Section 504 | |
| 10/01/2021 | 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.
En español PDF (158K) | 10/01/2021 | Title IX | |
| 08/24/2021 | Office for Civil Rights’ Enforcement of Title IX Regulation Limiting Use of Statements by Parties & Witnesses Not Subject to Cross-Examination at Live Hearing
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights issued a letter to students, educators, and other stakeholders explaining the impact of a recent court decision vacating the part of 34 C.F.R. § 106.45(b)(6)(i) that prohibits decision-makers in Title IX proceedings at postsecondary institutions from considering any statement from a person who did not submit to cross-examination at the live hearing.
| 08/24/2021 | Title IX | |
| 07/26/2021 | Long COVID under Section 504 and the IDEA: A Resource to Support Children, Students, Educators, Schools, Service Providers, and Families
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights and Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services issued a resource entitled Long COVID under Section 504 and the IDEA: A Resource to Support Children, Students, Educators, Schools, Service Providers, and Families. This resource for all stakeholders in the education community provides information about the obligations of schools, public agencies, and postsecondary institutions to students and children with long COVID.
| 07/26/2021 | ADA Title II / Section 504 | |
| 07/20/2021 | Office for Civil Rights Issues a Questions and Answers resource and related Appendix on the Title IX Regulations on Sexual Harassment
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights issued a Questions and Answers resource and related Appendix on the Title IX Regulations on Sexual Harassment. The Q&A resource clarifies how OCR interprets schools’ existing obligations under the 2020 amendments to the Department’s Title IX regulations, including the areas in which schools have discretion in their procedures for responding to reports of sexual harassment. The Appendix provides examples of Title IX procedures that may be adapted and helpful to schools in implementing the 2020 amendments. This document was updated on June 28, 2022.
| 07/20/2021 | Title IX | |
| 06/22/2021 | Notice of Interpretation – Enforcement of Title IX with Respect to Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in Light of Bostock v. Clayton County
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights issued a Notice of Interpretation explaining that Title IX’s prohibition on discrimination based on sex encompasses discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The Department’s interpretation stems from the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision in Bostock v. Clayton County (2020), which recognized that it is impossible to discriminate against a person based on their sexual orientation or gender identity without discriminating against that person based on sex. 86 Fed. Reg. 32637 (June 22, 2021). A Federal court has “vacate[d]” this document and “enjoined” the Department from “implementing or enforcing” this document against the state of Texas and its respective schools, school boards, and other public, educationally based institutions. See State of Texas v. Cardona, No. 4:23-cv-604 (N.D. Tex.) (June 11, 2024). Pursuant to a different Federal court order, the Department has 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. 3:21cv-308 (E.D. Tenn.) (July 15, 2022).
| 03/07/2022 | Title IX | |
| 06/01/2021 | 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. A Federal court has “vacate[d]” this document and “enjoined” the Department from “implementing or enforcing” this document against the state of Texas and its respective schools, school boards, and other public, educationally based institutions. See State of Texas v. Cardona, No. 4:23-cv-604 (N.D. Tex.) (June 11, 2024). Pursuant to a different Federal court order, the Department has 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. 3:21cv-308 (E.D. Tenn.) (July 15, 2022).
En español PDF (1.2M) | 06/01/2021 | Title IX | |
| 02/23/2021 | OCR’s Enforcement of Title IX in Light of Bostock v. Clayton County, Ga.
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued a letter withdrawing an earlier revised letter of impending enforcement action and its underlying facts, determination and policy statement regarding the Supreme Court’s decision in Bostock v. Clayton County, Ga. The withdrawal letter and earlier revised letter were issued in OCR’s cases against the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC), Glastonbury Public Schools, and five other Connecticut school districts. OCR’s letter also indicates that OCR withdrew an earlier referral of the cases to the Department of Justice.
| 02/23/2021 | Title IX | |
| 01/19/2021 | Office for Civil Rights Issues Technical Assistance Document Regarding Anti-Semitism and Title VI
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued a new technical assistance document entitled Questions and Answers on Executive Order 13899 (Combating Anti-Semitism)
| 01/19/2021 | Title VI | |
| 01/15/2021 | Office for Civil Rights Issues New Resource to Help Education Institutions Implement the Title IX Final Regulations - Part 2
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued a new technical assistance document entitled Part 2: Questions and Answers Regarding the Department’s Final Title IX Regulations. This resource was issued in response to inquiries received by OCR’s Center for Outreach, Prevention, Education, and Nondiscrimination (OPEN Center) and to help institutions understand and meet their obligations under the Title IX regulations. Part 1 is available here. This document supplements the September 4, 2020 technical assistance document which also addressed the Title IX regulations.
| 01/15/2021 | Title IX | |
| 01/15/2021 | Office for Civil Rights Issues New Resource to Help Education Institutions Implement the Title IX Final Regulations - Part 1
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued a new technical assistance document entitled Part 1: Questions and Answers Regarding the Department’s Final Title IX Regulations. This resource was issued in response to inquiries received by OCR’s Center for Outreach, Prevention, Education, and Nondiscrimination (OPEN Center) and to help institutions understand and meet their obligations under the Title IX regulations. Part 2 is available here. This document supplements the September 4, 2020 technical assistance document which also addressed the Title IX regulations.
| 01/15/2021 | Title IX | |
| 09/28/2020 | Office for Civil Rights Issues COVID-19-related Technical Assistance Document to Assist K-12 Schools with Meeting Their Obligations under Federal Civil Rights Laws
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued a new technical assistance document entitled Questions and Answers for K-12 Public Schools in the Current COVID-19 Environment. This resource, which was issued primarily in response to inquiries received by the Department, reminds K-12 schools of their obligations under Title VI, Title IX, Title II, and Section 504 and provides guidance to schools as they continue to make decisions regarding the provision of educational services for all children.
| 09/28/2020 | Title VI Title IX ADA Title II / Section 504 | |
| 09/04/2020 | Office for Civil Rights Issues New Resource to Help Education Institutions Implement the Title IX Final Rule
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued a new technical assistance document entitled Questions and Answers Regarding the Department’s Final Title IX Rule. This resource was issued in response to inquiries received by OCR’s Center for Outreach, Prevention, Education, and Nondiscrimination (OPEN Center) and to help institutions understand and meet their obligations under the Final Rule.
| 09/04/2020 | Title IX | |
| 08/26/2020 | Office for Civil Rights Rescinds Outdated Documents
The purpose of this guidance is to inform you that the Department of Education is withdrawing the several documents.
| 08/26/2020 | Title VI Title IX ADA Title II / Section 504 | |
| 05/12/2020 | Office for Civil Rights Releases New Resource for Postsecondary Institutions on Protecting the Civil Rights of Students During COVID-19
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued a technical assistance document entitled Questions and Answers for Postsecondary Institutions Regarding the COVID-19 National Emergency. This resource was issued in response to inquiries received by the Department and to assist postsecondary institutions with meeting their obligations under Federal civil rights laws—including Title VI, Title IX, Title II, and Section 504—during the COVID-19 outbreak.
| 05/12/2020 | Title VI Title IX ADA Title II / Section 504 | |
| 03/21/2020 | Office for Civil Rights Publishes New Resource on Accessibility and Distance Learning Options Urging States to Continue Educating Students with Disabilities
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) jointly issued a Supplemental Fact Sheet on Addressing the Risk of COVID-19 in Preschool, Elementary and Secondary Schools While Serving Children with Disabilities. This new resource clarifies that federal law should not be used to prevent schools from offering distance learning opportunities to all students, including students with disabilities and explains that as a school district takes necessary steps to address the health, safety, and well-being of all its students and staff, educators can use distance learning opportunities to serve all students..
| 03/21/2020 | ADA Title II / Section 504 | |
| 03/16/2020 | Office for Civil Rights Issues New Resource on Schools’ Obligations to Protect the Civil Rights of Students During COVID-19
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued a Fact Sheet on Addressing the Risk of COVID-19 in Schools While Protecting the Civil Rights of Students. This new resource reminds schools to be mindful of the requirements of Section 504, Title II, and Title VI as they respond to evolving conditions related to the coronavirus. The Fact Sheet addresses how schools can implement recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) while ensuring that all students are able to study and learn in an environment that is safe and free from discrimination.
| 03/16/2020 | Title VI ADA Title II / Section 504 | |
| 02/06/2020 | OCR and OCTAE Program Memorandum, Career and Technical Education and Methods of Administration
The Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education (OCTAE) issued an updated Memorandum of Procedures (MOP) for State agencies responsible for the administration of career and technical education to use in developing their “methods of administration (MOA) and related procedures” they will use in carrying out their civil rights obligations under the March 1970 MOA “Guidelines.” The updated MOP encourages State agencies to harmonize their civil rights compliance responsibilities with their obligations under the 2018 Perkins Act reauthorization and continues the longstanding commitment and ongoing efforts of OCR and OCTAE to ensure all students have equal access and opportunities to succeed in career and technical education programs.
| 02/6/2020 | Methods of Administration | |
| 12/21/2018 | Updates to Department of Education and Department of Justice Guidance on Title VI
The Departments of Justice and Education withdrew a policy guidance package on school discipline that was issued on January 8. 2014, including a “Dear Colleague” Letter, a resource guide, and other associated documents. OCR also issued Question and Answers on Racial Discrimination and School Discipline to provide information about how OCR assesses a school’s compliance with Title VI with respect to the administration of school discipline.
En español (Spanish) PDF (178K) [OCR-000113-SP] UNDER REVIEW
En español (Spanish) PDF (159K) [OCR-000112-SP] UNDER REVIEW | * | Title VI | |
| 07/03/2018 | Updates to Department of Education and Department of Justice Guidance on Title VI
The U.S. Departments of Education (ED) and Justice (DOJ) withdraw guidance documents that advocate specific policies and procedures beyond what the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution or Title IV or Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 require. The Dear Colleague Letter reiterates ED’s commitment to the vigorous enforcement of civil rights laws on behalf of all students.
| * | Title VI | |
| 02/22/2017 | Office for Civil Rights Withdraws Title IX Guidance on Transgender Students
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights and the Department of Justice jointly issued a Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) withdrawing the statements of policy and guidance reflected in a May 3, 2016, “Dear Colleague” Letter and another letter of January 7, 2015, that opined on the meaning of Title IX’s prohibitions on discrimination “on the basis of sex” as it pertains to gender identity, without adequate legal analysis or explanation of how the position is consistent with the express language of Title IX, and without engaging in any formal public review process.
| * | Title IX | |
| 01/17/2017 | Office for Civil Rights Releases Resources for Educators on Title VI and Religion
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) today released a package of documents to assist schools, colleges, universities, educators, and students understand how Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, enforced by OCR, protects students of any religion from discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, or national origin, including discrimination based on a student’s actual or perceived:
The package includes a Know Your Rights document on when discrimination involving students who are or are perceived to belong to a religious group may be discrimination that is prohibited by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act; a fact sheet on combatting discrimination against Jewish students; a fact sheet on combatting discrimination against AANHPI/MASSA students; and a Dear Colleague Letter on Title VI and Title IX and Religious Discrimination. | * | Title VI | |
| 12/28/2016 | Office for Civil Rights Releases Guidance about the Rights of Students with Disabilities in Public Charter Schools
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) jointly issued a Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) and separate question and answer guidance documents to help educators, parents, students, and other stakeholders better understand the rights of students with disabilities in public charter schools under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). In addition, OCR and OSERS jointly issued a fact sheet that provides a brief overview of the guidance. | * | ADA Title II / Section 504 | |
| 12/28/2016 | Office for Civil Rights Releases Guidance on the Use of Restraint and Seclusion in Schools
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) today issued legal guidance to school districts as to how the use of restraint or seclusion can result in discrimination against students with disabilities, in violation of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. In addition, the Department also released a “Fast Facts” document that provides a brief overview of the guidance. | * | ADA Title II / Section 504 | |
| 12/28/2016 | Office for Civil Rights Releases a Parent and Educator Resource Guide to Section 504 in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) today issued a resource guide to help parents and the public elementary and secondary school community understand student rights’ and school district responsibilities under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), a Federal civil rights law that prohibits disability discrimination.
En español (Spanish) PDF (387K) [OCR-000100-SP] | * | ADA Title II / Section 504 | |
| 12/12/2016 | Office for Civil Rights Releases Guidance on the Prevention of Racial Discrimination in Special Education
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) today issued guidance addressing the interplay of the Title VI prohibition against discrimination on the basis of race/color/national origin in the administration of special education in public schools. | * | Title VI ADA Title II / Section 504 | |
| 07/26/2016 | Office for Civil Rights Releases ADHD Guidance
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) today issued guidance clarifying the obligation of schools to provide students with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with equal educational opportunity under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504). The guidance—in the form of a Dear Colleague Letter and accompanying Resource Guide—provides a broad overview of Section 504 and school districts’ obligations to students with ADHD, including appropriately evaluating and providing services to such students, and ensuring due process. In addition, the Department also released a Know Your Rights document that provides a brief overview of the guidance. | * | ADA Title II / Section 504 | |
| 06/06/2016 | U.S. Department of Education Release Joint Fact Sheet about Combatting Discrimination against Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) and Muslim, Arab, Sikh, and South Asian (MASSA) students
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Educational Opportunities Section, and the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders issued a fact sheet that includes examples of forms of discrimination that members of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) and Muslim, Arab, Sikh, and South Asian (MASSA) communities commonly face.
العربيّة (Arabic) PDF (256K) [OCR-00093-AR] | * | Title VI | |
| 12/15/2015 | Guidance on Voluntary Youth Service Organizations
The Dear Colleague Letter from Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Catherine E. Lhamon explains the circumstances under which a school district lawfully may work with outside organizations that provide single-sex programming under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
| * | Title IX | |
| 03/18/2015 | Guidance Addressing the Risk of Measles in Schools while Protecting the Civil Rights of Students with Disabilities
The Fact Sheet addresses how school officials can implement recommendations and resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) related to protecting children and their families from measles without discriminating on the basis of disability, particularly in the case of students who are medically unable to receive a vaccine because of a disability, and explains what school officials must do to ensure continuity of learning if a student is legitimately excluded from school. Other resources on measles can be found at rems.ed.gov/KeepSchoolsSafeFromDiseases.aspx.
| * | ADA Title II / Section 504 | |
| 01/07/2015 | Guidance to Ensure English Learner Students Have Equal Access to a High-Quality Education
The U.S. Departments of Education (ED) and Justice (DOJ) released joint guidance: "Dear Colleague" letter: English Learner Students and Limited English Proficient Parents reminding states, school districts and schools of their obligations under federal law to ensure that English learner students have equal access to a high-quality education and the opportunity to achieve their full academic potential.” In addition to the guidance, the Departments also released additional tools and resources to help schools in serving English learner students and parents with limited English proficiency, including:
| * | Title VI | |
| 12/08/2014 | Guidance on Protecting Civil Rights in Juvenile Justice Residential Facilities
"Dear Colleague" letter from Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Catherine E. Lhamon and Acting Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, Vanita Gupta, U.S. Department of Justice, concerning the applicability of Federal civil rights laws to juvenile justice residential facilities. The letter provides a reminder that juvenile justice residential facilities receiving Federal funds are subject to the same Federal civil rights obligations as all other public schools, and highlights some of the legal requirements related to access to academic coursework and career and vocational training, students with disabilities, English language learners, and the administration of discipline.
| * | Title VI Title IX ADA Title II / Section 504 | |
| 12/08/2014 | Implementing CDC’s Ebola Guidance for Schools while Protecting the Civil Rights of Students and Others
The Fact Sheet addresses how school officials can implement Ebola guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) without discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, or disability; explains what school officials must do to ensure a continuity of learning if a student is legitimately excluded from school; and reminds school officials of their responsibility to respond to bullying and harassment. Other resources on Ebola can be found at www.ed.gov/ebola-response.
| * | Title VI ADA Title II / Section 504 | |
| 12/01/2014 | Questions and Answers on Title IX and Single-Sex Elementary and Secondary Classes and Extracurricular Activities
These questions and answers clarify the legal requirements under the Department’s Title IX regulations governing single-sex elementary and secondary classes and extracurricular activities.
| * | Title IX | |
| 11/12/2014 | Guidance on Effective Communication for Students with Hearing, Vision, or Speech Disabilities in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools
“Dear Colleague” letter and accompanying Frequently Asked Questions document (FAQ) and Parent Fact Sheet from Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Catherine E. Lhamon, Acting Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services Michael K. Yudin, and Vanita Gupta, Acting Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Justice, concerning effective communication for students with hearing, vision, or speech disabilities in public elementary and secondary schools. | * | ADA Title II / Section 504 | |
| 10/21/2014 | Guidance on Bullying of Students with Disabilities
"Dear Colleague" letter from Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Catherine E. Lhamon, concerning the obligation of elementary and secondary schools to respond to the bullying of students with disabilities, including those students who are not eligible for services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act but are entitled to services under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. The guidance discusses the actions schools must take when bullying interferes with the education of a student with a disability who is bullied on any basis, and provides insight into how OCR analyzes complaints involving bullying of students with disabilities. | * | ADA Title II / Section 504 | |
| 10/01/2014 | Guidance to Ensure All Students Have Equal Access to Educational Resources
"Dear Colleague" letter from Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Catherine E. Lhamon about ensuring students have equal access to educational resources without regard to race, color, or national origin. The guidance, fact sheet, and resources for technical assistance are also available on the Resource Comparability Materials homepage.
| * | Title VI | |
| 05/08/2014 | Guidance for School Districts to Ensure Equal Access for All Children to Public Schools Regardless of Immigration Status
Important updates to the joint 2011 guidance regarding school responsibilities under Plyler v. Doe, including examples of permissible enrollment practices, as well as examples of the types of information that may not be used as a basis for denying a student entrance to school. | * | Title VI | |
| 06/25/2013 | Guidance on Supporting the Academic Success of Pregnant and Parenting Students
"Dear Colleague" letter and pamphlet from Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Seth Galanter. 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. | * | Title IX | |
| 06/12/2013 | Guidance to Health-Related Schools Regarding Hepatitis B Discrimination
Joint OCR/DOJ/HHS "Dear Colleague" letter, addressing the rights of students with hepatitis B in postsecondary medical, dental, nursing, and other health-related programs. The letter discusses the latest recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding the participation of students with hepatitis B in health-related schools, and how the CDC recommendations relate to the federal laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of disability, race, color, and national origin.
| * | Title VI ADA Title II / Section 504 | |
| 04/24/2013 | Guidance on the prohibition against retaliation under Federal civil rights laws
"Dear Colleague" letter from Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Seth Galanter clarifies the basic principles of retaliation law and describes OCR’s methods of enforcement.
| * | Title VI Title IX ADA Title II /Section 504 Age Boy Scouts Retaliation | |
| 01/25/2013 | Guidance on Schools' Obligation to Provide Equal Opportunity to Students with Disabilities to Participate in Extracurricular Athletics
"Dear Colleague" letter from Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Seth Galanter, addressing equal access to extracurricular athletics for students with disabilities. The "Dear Colleague" letter provides an overview of the obligations of public elementary and secondary schools under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504), and the Department’s Section 504 regulations; cautions against making decisions based on presumptions and stereotypes; details the specific Section 504 regulations that require students with disabilities to have an equal opportunity for participation in nonacademic and extracurricular services and activities; and discusses the provision of separate or different athletic opportunities. | * | ADA Title II / Section 504 | |
| 03/14/2012 | Notice of Interpretation of Section 504, New Construction and Alterations, (77 Fed. Reg. 14972, Mar. 14, 2012)
Federal Register notice of interpretation explaining that, under the U.S. Department of Education’s Section 504 regulations, recipients are permitted to use the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design in lieu of the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS) for new construction and alterations commenced on or after September 15, 2010. The notice recognizes that public entities subject to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act are required to use the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design for new construction and alterations commenced on or after March 15, 2012.
| * | ADA Title II / Section 504 | |
| 01/19/2012 | Guidance on ADA Amendments Act Amended Legal Standards
"Dear Colleague" letter to elementary and secondary education officials with attached Frequently Asked Questions document (FAQ), from Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Russlynn Ali. The "Dear Colleague" letter and FAQ discuss the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008 (Amendments Act), Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504) in the context of students with disabilities attending public elementary and secondary schools. The FAQ addresses the broadened definition of disability and the849412 changes made by the Amendments Act; explores how the Amendments Act affects Section 504; discusses various obligations of school districts, including the requirement to evaluate students to determine eligibility for regular or special education and related aids and services; and addresses how OCR evaluates compliance with Title II of the ADA and Section 504 in light of the Amendments Act. | * | ADA Title II / Section 504 | |
| 05/26/2011 | Guidance on Use of Electronic Book Readers and Other Emerging Technologies to Elementary and Secondary Education Officials (Follow-Up to 2010 Guidance)
"Dear Colleague" letters to elementary and secondary education officials and postsecondary education officials, with attached Frequently Asked Questions document (FAQ), from Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Russlynn Ali. The "Dear Colleague" letters and FAQ follow-up on a June 29, 2010 letter, sent by the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Justice to college and university presidents, regarding the use of electronic book readers and other emerging technologies in compliance with civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. The May 26, 2011 "Dear Colleague" letters and FAQ answer questions about the obligations of educational institutions that provide benefits to students by means of these technologies.
| * | ADA Title II / Section 504 | |
| 10/26/2010 | Guidance on Schools’ Obligations to Protect Students from Student-on-Student Harassment on the Basis of Sex; Race, Color and National Origin; and Disability
“Dear Colleague” letter from Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Russlynn Ali, concerning recipients' obligations to protect students from student-on-student harassment on the basis of sex; race, color and national origin; and disability. The letter clarifies the relationship between bullying and discriminatory harassment, provides examples of harassment, and illustrates how a school should respond in each case.
| * | Title VI Title IX ADA Title II / Section 504 | |
| 06/29/2010 | Guidance on Use of Electronic Book Readers and Other Emerging Technologies
"Dear Colleague" letter from Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Russlynn Ali and Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Thomas E. Perez, U.S. Department of Justice, concerning the obligation of colleges and universities to ensure that students with disabilities have equal access to emerging technologies in education. The letter, a joint guidance from the Departments of Justice and Education, reminds colleges and universities of the legal standards in regard to accessibility, and applies those standards to electronic book readers. The letter states that it is impermissible under federal law for colleges and universities to use electronic book readers or similar technology in a teaching or classroom environment as long as the device remains inaccessible to individuals who are blind or have low vision and reasonable accommodation or modification for this type of technology do not exist or are not available. | * | ADA Title II / Section 504 | |
| 04/20/2010 | Guidance on Accommodating Students’ Athletic Interests and Abilities: Standards for Part Three of the “Three-Part Test"
“Dear Colleague" letter and a questions and answers document on the test used to determine whether institutions are meeting the Title IX regulatory requirement to accommodate students' athletic interests and abilities.
| * | Title IX | |
| 10/17/2008 | Guidance on Report Cards and Transcripts For Students with Disabilities Attending Public Elementary and Secondary Schools
"Dear Colleague" letter from Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Stephanie Monroe providing recipients with information regarding disclosure of disability on report cards and transcripts for students with disabilities attending public elementary and secondary schools. The purpose of this guidance is to clarify how federal laws apply to statements on report cards and transcripts when these statements identify students as students with disabilities.
| * | ADA Title II / Section 504 | |
| 09/17/2008 | Guidance on Determining which Athletic Activities Can Be Counted for Purposes of Title IX Compliance
"Dear Colleague" letter from Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Stephanie Monroe providing recipients with information about how OCR determines which athletic activities can be counted under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), 20 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.
| * | Title IX | |
| 08/28/2008 | Guidance on the Use of Race in Assigning Students to Elementary and Secondary Schools
"Dear Colleague" letter from Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Stephanie Monroe to provide postsecondary institutions with information on how OCR assesses the use of race in admissions consistent with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. 2000d (Title VI). This guidance sets out the applicable Title VI principles, including pertinent standards enunciated by the U.S. Supreme Court in the past five years.
| * | Title VI | |
| 08/28/2008 | Guidance on the Use of Race in Postsecondary Student Admissions
The Office for Civil Rights in the U.S. Department of Education issues this guidance to provide postsecondary institutions with information on how OCR assesses the use of race in admissions consistent with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. 2000d (Title VI). This guidance sets out the applicable Title VI principles, including pertinent standards enunciated by the U.S. Supreme Court in the past five years.
| * | Title VI | |
| 07/25/2008 | Dear Colleague Letter Commemorating the 18th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Providing Information for Wounded Veterans
"Dear Colleague" letter from Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Stephanie Monroe commemorating the 18th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This letter discusses the broad impact that Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504) and the ADA have had on aspects of education. The linked pamphlet “So You Want to Go Back to School” (July 2008) provides information for wounded veterans who are qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 504 and ADA with an overview of their rights and responsibilities regarding academic adjustments, auxiliary aids, and reasonable modifications to school policies and practices at postsecondary institutions.
| * | ADA Title II / Section 504 | |
| 05/22/2008 | Dear Colleague Letter: Title VI Access to AP Courses
The letter clarifies how Federal civil rights laws apply to local educational agencies (LEAs) that provide students the option to participate in Advanced Placement (AP) courses or other rigorous curricula such as International Baccalaureate (IB) programs. If an LEA offers AP courses or IB programs, Title VI requires that these courses or programs be made available without regard to a student’s race, color, or national origin.
| * | Title VI | |
| 03/27/2008 | Title IX Athletics Three-Part Test
Letter re-affirming the Department of Education's policy on the application of the Three-Part Test to high school athletics, which measures the accommodation of student athletic interests and abilities.
| * | Title IX | |
| 12/26/2007 | Guidance on Access by Students with Disabilities to Accelerated Programs
"Dear Colleague" letter from Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Stephanie Monroe addressing the rights of students with disabilities to participate in schools’ and school districts’ accelerated programs, such as Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate classes or programs.
| * | ADA Title II / Section 504 | |
| 06/25/2007 | Guidance on Nondiscriminatory Treatment of Pregnant Students in Athletic Scholarships
"Dear Colleague" letter from Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Stephanie Monroe addressing the Title IX regulatory requirements related to nondiscriminatory treatment of pregnant students in the context of athletic scholarships. | * | Title IX | |
| 03/16/2007 | Guidance on Students with Disabilities and Transitioning to Postsecondary Education ("Dear Colleague" letter)
“Dear Colleague” letter and “Dear Parent” letter from Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Stephanie Monroe, providing information about the legal rights and responsibilities of students with disabilities as they transition from high school to institutions of postsecondary education. | * | ADA Title II / Section 504 | |
| 01/31/2007 | Guidance on Notification of New Single-Sex Regulations
The “Dear Colleague” Letter informs the public that the Department of Education amended the regulations implementing Title IX, applicable to nonvocational single-sex classes, extracurricular activities, and schools at the elementary and secondary education levels. These new regulations were published in the Federal Register on October 25, 2006, and took effect on November 24, 2006.
| * | Title IX | |
| 07/21/2006 | Guidance on Assurance of Compliance
“Dear Colleague” Letter from Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Stephanie Monroe describing a new regulatory requirement to provide an assurance of compliance with the Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act. Applicants for funds made available through the U.S. Department of Education, and to which the Act applies, must submit to OCR a signed “Assurance of Compliance—Civil Rights Certificate” which is OCR’s amended form concerning assurances of compliance with laws enforced by OCR.
| * | Boy Scouts | |
| 09/20/2004 | Joint DOJ/OCR Guidance on Segregated Proms
This letter addresses the allocation of awards or honors on the basis of race, such as racially separate Homecoming Queens and Kings, or racially separate proms, which are inconsistent with federal law.
| * | Title VI | |
| 09/13/2004 | Title VI and Title IX Discrimination
"Dear Colleague" letter addressing the right of all students, including students of faith, to be free from discrimination in our schools and colleges under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, in cases where such discrimination may be commingled with religious discrimination.
| * | Title VI Title IX | |
| 02/01/2004 | OCR Publication: Race-Neutral Approaches to Diversity in Education
This report supplements a prior report issued by OCR on March 1, 2003. It catalogues both developmental and admissions-oriented race-neutral approaches (designed to diversify student enrollments), including information about race-neutral alternatives for both K-12 schools and postsecondary institutions.
| * | Title VI | |
| 07/28/2003 | First Amendment
"Dear Colleague" letter reaffirming that OCR's regulations and policies do not require or prescribe speech, conduct or harassment codes that impair the exercise of rights protected under the First Amendment.
| * | Title VI Title IX ADA Title II / Section 504 Age | |
| 07/11/2003 | Further Clarification of Intercollegiate Athletics Policy Guidance Regarding Title IX Compliance
The “Dear Colleague” Letter (DCL) provides clarification of intercollegiate athletics policy under Title IX. The DCL reiterates the Office for Civil Rights’ (OCR) commitment to the “three-part test” and notes that each prong is a valid, independent path by which recipients of federal financial assistance may comply with Title IX. The DCL also clarifies that Title IX does not require the cutting or reduction of teams to demonstrate compliance with Title IX, and that the elimination of teams is disfavored. Further, it explains that OCR will work with schools to assist them in achieving Title IX compliance, private sponsorship of athletic teams is allowed and does not change or diminish a school’s obligations under Title IX, and OCR will ensure that its enforcement practices are consistent among regions.
| * | Title IX | |
| 03/01/2003 | Race-Neutral Alternatives in Postsecondary Education: Innovative Approaches to Diversity
This report describes race-neutral approaches to student diversity used in postsecondary institutions. Examples include expansion of advanced placement courses, partnerships among colleges and low-performing schools, expanding online courses, and expanding financial aid.
| * | Title VI | |
| 05/03/2002 | Guidelines on current title IX requirements related to single-sex classes and schools
As required by Section 5131(a)(23) of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, which allows local educational agencies (LEAs) to use Innovative Programs funds to support same-gender schools and classrooms consistent with applicable law, the Department issued guidelines describing and explaining the current Title IX statutory and regulatory requirements relating to single-sex classes and schools.
| * | Title IX | |
| 03/25/2002 | Guidance on Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act (Boy Scouts Act)
“Dear Colleague” Letter from Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (Delegated) C. Todd Jones noting that OCR will initiate rulemaking under the Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act, part of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, which President George W. Bush signed on January 8, 2002. .
| * | Boy Scouts | |
| 01/19/2001 | Guidance on Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Access to Educational Resources
"Dear Colleague" letter from U.S. Secretary of Education Richard W. Riley, concerning racial and ethnic disparities in access to educational resources, including teachers, facilities, instructional programs and support, technology, and school funding.
| * | Title VI | |
| 07/25/2000 | Guidance on Prohibited Disability Harassment
“Dear Colleague” Letter from Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Norma V. Cantú and Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services Judith E. Heumann, reminding elementary and secondary schools and colleges and universities of their responsibility, under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, to address disability harassment that may deny students an equal opportunity to education. The letter also notes that under these laws, as well as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, disability harassment may deny elementary and secondary students a free appropriate public education (FAPE).
| * | ADA Title II / Section 504 | |
| 07/23/1998 | Funding of Athletic Scholarships
"Dear Colleague" letter from Norma Cantú, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights regarding the investigation of complaints which allege discrimination in the awarding of athletic scholarships in intercollegiate athletics programs. Dear Colleague" letter from Dr. Mary Frances O'Shea, National Coordinator for Title IX Athletics to Bowling Green State University General Counsel, which clarifies the coverage of Title IX and its regulations as they apply to both academic and athletic programs; and the funding of athletic scholarships budgets for men's and women's intercollegiate athletics programs. | * | Title IX | |
| 03/19/1997 | Guidance on the Effect of Proposition 209 on the Responsibilities of California's School Districts and Colleges Under Federal Educational Programs and Civil Rights Laws
Effect of Proposition 209, California's ban on affirmative action, on the responsibilities of California's school districts and colleges under educational programs and civil rights laws administered by the Department of Education. | * | Title VI Title IX | |
| 01/16/1996 | Clarification of Intercollegiate Athletics Policy Guidance: The Three-Part Test (memorandum)
The memorandum from the OCR Assistant Secretary and clarification of the "three-part test" described in the Education Department's 1979 Policy Interpretation. This test is used to determine whether students of both sexes are provided nondiscriminatory opportunities to participate in athletics.
| * | Title IX | |
| 03/10/1994 | Notice of Investigative Guidance, Racial Harassment ( 59 Fed. Reg. 11448, Mar. 10, 1994)
This notice discusses the approach and analysis that OCR staff will follow when investigating allegations of racial harassment that arise at educational institutions.
| * | Title VI | |
| 01/31/1994 | Notice of Application of Supreme Court Decision in Fordice, (59 Fed. Reg. 4271, Jan. 31, 1994)
This notice responds to questions the Department of Education received concerning the effect of the Supreme Court's decision in United States v. Fordice, U.S., 112 S. Ct. 2727 (1992). The Court held that States that operated de jure segregated higher education systems have an affirmative duty under the Equal Protection Clause and Title VI to dismantle those systems and their vestiges. | * | Title VI | |
| 10/26/1992 | Notice of Policy Guidance, Deaf Students Education Services, (57 Fed. Reg. 49274, Oct. 30, 1992)
Federal Register notice of policy guidance from the U.S. Department of Education addressing the significant and unique educational needs of students who are deaf, and clarifying the free appropriate public education (FAPE) provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the applicability of the procedural safeguards in placement decisions for these students.
| * | ADA Title II / Section 504 | |
| 09/27/1991 | Policy Update on Schools' Obligations Toward National Origin Minority Students With Limited-English Proficiency
This policy update was designed for OCR staff’s use in compliance reviews conducted to determine whether schools are complying with their obligation to provide alternative language programs necessary to ensure that national origin minority students with limited-English proficiency (LEP students)—students today often referred to as English Language Learners—have meaningful access to the schools’ programs.
| * | Title VI | |
| 04/06/1990 | Office for Civil Rights Policy Regarding the Treatment of National Origin Minority Students Who Are Limited English Proficient
This document instructed OCR staff, in investigating complaints under Title VI regarding services for English Language Learners, to continue to follow the procedures set out in a December 3, 1985, document entitled “Identification of Discrimination and Denial of Services on the Basis of National Origin."
| * | Title VI | |
| 09/11/1984 | Language Minority Compliance Procedures
This memorandum responds to an OCR staff request for guidance regarding how OCR should proceed in a Title VI, English Language Learner services investigation, where a district has no identification/assessment procedures in place to identify the students in need of such services.
| * | Title VI | |
| 12/22/1980 | Notice of Interpretation, Use of Parent’s Insurance to Pay for Required Services for Students with Disabilities
Federal Register notice of interpretation providing that Part B of the Education of the Handicapped Act (which was later renamed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibit a public agency from requiring parents, where they would incur a financial cost, to use insurance proceeds to pay for services that must be provided to a child with a disability under the free appropriate public education (FAPE) requirements of those statutes. The use of parents’ insurance proceeds to pay for services in these circumstances must be voluntary on the part of the parents.
| * | ADA Title II / Section 504 | |
| 12/11/1979 | Title IX Policy Interpretation: Intercollegiate Athletics The following Policy Interpretation represents the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare's interpretation of the intercollegiate athletic provisions of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and its implementing regulation. Title IX prohibits educational programs and institutions funded or otherwise supported by the Department from discriminating on the basis of sex. The Department published a proposed Policy Interpretation for public comment on December 11, 1978. Over 700 comments reflecting a broad range of opinion were received. In addition, HEW staff visited eight universities during June and July, 1979, to see how the proposed policy and other suggested alternatives would apply in actual practice at individual campuses. The final Policy Interpretation reflects the many comments HEW received and the results of the individual campus visits
| * | Title IX | |
| 03/21/1979 | Guidelines for Eliminating Discrimination and Denial of Services on the Basis of Race, Color, National Origin, Sex, and Handicap
These guidelines identify civil rights obligations of federal fund recipients in their vocational education programs to ensure equal access on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, and disability. The guidelines also explain the oversight responsibilities of state agencies to address discrimination in their subrecipients’ vocational education programs by analyzing civil rights data, conducting compliance reviews, identifying unlawful discrimination, attempting to obtain compliance, and providing technical assistance. | * | Title VI Title IX ADA Title II / Section 504 Methods of Administration | |
| 08/14/1978 | Disability Policy Interpretations on Program Accessibility; Carrying Individuals with Disabilities; Participation of Students with Disabilities in Contact Sports; School Board Members as Hearing Officers
Federal Register notice providing four policy interpretations of the regulation issued under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The policies pertain to program accessibility and structural modifications to existing facilities; the carrying of mobility impaired persons; the exclusion of students with missing limbs or organs from contact sports; and limitations on school board members as hearing officers in disputes between parents of children with disabilities and officials of their school system.
| * | ADA Title II / Section 504 | |
| 11/11/1975 | 1975 Memorandum to Chief State School Officers, LEA Superintendents, and PSE Presidents on Title IX obligations in athletics, including athletic scholarships; intercollegiate, club, and intramural programs.
This memorandum provides guidance with respect to the major first year responsibilities of an educational institution to ensure equal opportunity in the operation of both its athletic activities and its athletic scholarship programs. | * | Title IX | |
| 05/25/1970 | Identification of Discrimination and Denial of Services on the Basis of National Origin
This memorandum explained requirements of Title VI and its implementing regulation, including the responsibility of school districts to provide equal educational opportunity to national origin minority group children deficient in English language skills—children today often referred to as English Language Learners. This policy was discussed, with approval, in the Supreme Court’s decision in Lau v. Nichols, 414 U.S. 563 (1974).
| * | Title VI | |
* Document was created and uploaded to this website before this Policy Guidance Portal went live