Student Civil Rights

Office of Student Civil Rights

The Office of Student Civil Rights is charged with receiving, investigating and resolving student complaints of discrimination. SPS complies with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations.

How to Report a Discrimination Concern

Learn how to file a discrimination concern

Title IX

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, often referred to as Title IX, is a Federal civil rights law. Title IX, which began with a focus on discrimination and ensuring equity in sports, includes a major focus on prevention of and response to incidents of sexual harassment and sexual assault.

Title II of the ADA

Seattle Public Schools is committed to non-discrimination and ensuring that information and communications for District-sponsored programs, events, and activities is accessible to students with disabilities. This includes students who are deaf or hearing impaired as well as blind or visually impaired in accordance with Section 504 and Title II of the American Disabilities Act (ADA).

View additional information on Student ADA

Section 504

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Section 504”) is a Federal civil rights law that is designed to eliminate disability discrimination in programs and activities that receive Federal funds. Since all public school districts receive Federal funds, all public school districts must comply with Section 504. Under Section 504, denying a disabled student a free appropriate public education (“FAPE”) constitutes disability discrimination.

View additional information on student 504 Procedures

External Contacts

If you would like to talk with someone outside of the District about your concerns, you can contact:

Washington State OSPI Equity Civil Rights Office
equity@k12.wa.us
360-725-6162

U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights
OCR.Seattle@ed.gov
206-607-1600

SPS Non-Discrimination Statement

Seattle Public Schools, SPS, provides Equal Educational Opportunities and Equal Employment Opportunities and does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex; race; creed; color; religion; ancestry; national origin; age; economic status; sexual orientation, including gender expression or identity; pregnancy; marital status; physical appearance; a disability; veteran or military status; or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal. SPS provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.