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Criminal Activity

Concerns involving possible criminal activity should be reported to:

• Local law enforcement
• Appropriate school officials

Discrimination

Complaints involving discrimination in education programs are handled by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR), not Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ»ÆƬ.

OCR enforces federal civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance.

Types of Discrimination Handled by OCR

• Race and national origin
• Sex
• Disability
• Age

These laws apply to:

• State education agencies
• Public elementary and secondary schools
• Colleges and universities
• Vocational and proprietary schools
• Other education entities receiving U.S. Department of Education funds

OCR also enforces Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits disability discrimination by public entities, whether or not they receive federal funding.

Filing a Discrimination Complaint

You may file a complaint with OCR if you believe an organization receiving U.S. Department of Education funds has discriminated against you or others.

• You do not need to be the person directly affected
• Complaints may be filed on behalf of another individual or group

Office for Civil Rights (OCR):

• 
   
• U.S. Department of Education
  Office for Civil Rights – Dallas Office
  Renaissance Tower
  1201 Elm Street, Suite 1000
  Dallas, TX 75270
   
• Phone: (214) 661‑9600
• Fax: (214) 661‑9587
• TDD: (800) 877‑8339

• Email: OCR.Dallas@ed.gov
   

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Education Outside Public K–12 Schools

Other agencies handle concerns related to:

• Public colleges and universities
• Private schools
• Home schools

Employment and Wage Disputes

The following agencies handle employment‑related concerns involving public schools:

• 
  Handles wage and salary disputes and other employment claims.
   
• 
  Enforces federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination based on:
  • Race or color
  • Religion
  • Sex
  • National origin
  • Age (40 or older)
  • Disability
  • Genetic information

Ethics and Open Government

Texas open government laws include:

The  provides resources, training, and assistance related to these laws.

Fraud, Waste, or Abuse of State Funds

The  investigates allegations involving:

• Fraud
• Waste
• Abuse of state funds

This includes misuse of funds by:

• State agencies
• School districts
• Colleges and universities

How to report:

• Call 1‑800‑TX‑AUDIT (892‑8348)
• Mail a report to:
  • State Auditor’s Office
    Attn: Investigations and Audit Support
    P.O. Box 12067
    Austin, TX 78711‑2067

Health and Safety Concerns

The  handles reports related to:

• Hazardous conditions in school facilities
• Health and safety standards

Interscholastic Athletics and Activities

The  governs competitive sports and academic extracurricular programs.

:

• UIL rules and requirements
• The dispute resolution process

School Board Elections

The  oversees school board member elections.

Student Records and Privacy

Concerns about student records and privacy are handled by the .

SPPO addresses complaints involving:

• Improper release of student information
• Denial of access to student records
• Improper collection or use of student data

These rights are protected under federal law and .

How to file a complaint:

. Filing deadlines apply, and required documentation must be submitted on time. Complaint forms are available in English and Spanish.