The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has the authority to investigate complaints of discrimination based on:
- Race, color, national origin, or ancestry
- Sex or gender
- Disability
- Age
OCR also has the authority to investigate complaints claiming that a covered entity:
- Retaliated for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege protected by the laws enforced by OCR;
- Retaliated because someone made a complaint, testified, assisted, or participated in any manner in an OCR matter;
- Discriminated against any youth group officially affiliated with a group or organization listed in title 36 of the United States Code (as a patriotic society) that is intended to serve young people under the age of 21 that requests to conduct a meeting at a public school.
If you believe you have been discriminated or retaliated against on any of these bases by a covered entity, you can file a complaint with OCR. Learn more about how to file a complaint - and about the complaint evaluation and resolution process - using the resources below.
Complaint Forms
Learn how to file a discrimination or retaliation complaint with the ED Office for Civil Rights (OCR).
A brief summary about OCR's process for evaluating, investigating, and resolving complaints.
A collection of frequently asked questions (FAQs) and answers about OCR's complaint process.
Learn about OCR's customer service standards for those engaged in the case resolution process.
Complainants and interviewees cooperating in activities conducted by OCR are afforded certain rights and protections.