Challenges Ahead

While we recognize the progress brought about by enforcement of the civil rights laws, problems persist in the denial of full educational opportunities to persons with disabilities, racial and language minorities, females, and older Americans. A commitment to the goals of the civil rights compliance program — equal access, educational excellence, and high standards for all students — is an investment that we must make if we are to secure America’s future.

Contacting OCR

The Customer Service and Technology Team in OCR’s national headquarters answers OCR’s hotline. Callers use the hotline to inquire about a wide range of issues that relate to federal civil rights laws and OCR policies and guidelines, and to obtain information on OCR’s enforcement program.

If you would like more information about the laws that the Office for Civil Rights enforces, how to file a civil rights complaint, or how to obtain technical assistance, you may contact the enforcement office that serves your state or territory at: http://www.ed.gov/ocr/contactus.html.

For further information:

OCR Hotline: 1-800-421-3481;

TDD: 877-521-2172

E-mail: OCR@ed.gov;

Web: http://www.ed.gov/ocr

This publication is in the public domain. Authorization to reproduce it in whole or in part is granted. The publication’s citation should be: U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, Ensuring Equal Access to High-Quality Education, Washington, D.C., 2011.

To order this publication:

write to: ED Pubs Education Publications Center,
U. S. Department of Education, P.O. Box 22207, Alexandria, VA 22304.

Or fax your request to: 703-605-6794.

Or e-mail your request to: edpubs@inet.ed.gov

Or call in your request toll-free: 1-877-433-7827 (1-877-4-ED-PUBS). Those who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) or a teletypewriter (TTY), should call 1-877-576-7734. If 877 service is not yet available in your area, call 1-800-872-5327
(1-800-USA-LEARN).

Or order online at: http://edpubs.gov/

This publication is also available on the Department’s website at: http://www.ed.gov/ocr. Any updates to this publication will be available at this website.

On request, this publication can be made available in alternate formats, such as Braille, large print, or compact disc. For more information, you may contact the Department’s Alternate Format Center at 202-260-0852 or 202-260-0818. If you use a TDD, call 1-800-877-8339.