In many educational institutions, students of color are disciplined more harshly and more frequently than other students, resulting in serious, negative educational consequences, particularly when such students are excluded from school. Although discipline decisions are inherently context-specific decisions about classroom management and school culture, a district’s discipline policies, procedures, and practices must comply with the non-discrimination requirements of Title VI.

Findings from the most recent Civil Rights Data Collection (CRDC), which describe the 2011–12 school year, reveal stark discipline disparities. OCR has continued its vigorous enforcement activities to ensure that students are not disciplined more frequently or more severely because of their race, color, or national origin.

• Policy Guidance
• Case Resolutions
• Publications