Nondiscrimination and Civil Rights Laws
Nondiscrimination and Civil Rights Laws You Should Know-PDF
All educational institutions and agencies receiving federal funds are covered by nondiscrimination civil rights laws which prohibit discrimination based on race, national origin, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation and gender identity, and disability. Most districts or schools receive federal funds for Title I, Special Education, Career and Technical Education, 21st Century Community Learning Centers, and English Language Acquisition, and other programs. States and districts are responsible to ensure that these nondiscrimination and civil rights laws are implemented.
Several laws and Executive Orders make up most of the nondiscrimination and civil rights protections for students and employees. It is important that school and district administrators, teachers, parents and students understand these protections. Any educational program that receives federal funds is covered under these laws and Executive Orders. Recently, policies, legislation and court decisions have strengthened these protections in many areas of educational system operations.
Federal and regional offices of these agencies receive complaints of discrimination. They also provide technical assistance in most instances. Most state education agencies also provide technical assistance. The Equity Assistance Centers also provide technical assistance related to implementation of these laws and policies. This document provides an updated summary of Nondiscrimination and Civil Rights laws as of July 2022.