How To File a Discrimination Complaint with the Office for Civil Rights.

The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforces five Federal statutes that prohibit discrimination in any program or activity that receives Federal financial assistance from the Department of Education (ED). The process for filing a complaint is outlined in this brochure. It includes information on the timeliness of the complaint, institutional grievance procedures, and where to write to initiate a complaint. Details on what to include in a discrimination complaint are provided for those wishing to file a formal complaint with OCR, and it is emphasized that a recipient of a complaint may not retaliate against a person initiating the complaint. Anyone who believes that any educational institution supported by the (ED) has discriminated against someone on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age may file a complaint. The civil rights law enforced by OCR extends to all state education agencies, elementary and secondary school systems, colleges and universities, vocational schools, proprietary schools, state vocational rehabilitation agencies, libraries, and museums receiving assistance from the ED. (RJM)