Resources for Students
1) Handles complaints about discrimination-based harassment (race, sex, disability, etc.)
Example:
A student reports repeated racist bullying at school, but nothing changes. Their family files a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights to push for an official investigation.
2) It also provides guidance on school enrollment, language access, and educational rights for immigrant students.
Example:
A family is told they must provide proof of citizenship before enrolling their child in public school. They review federal guidance explaining that public schools generally cannot deny enrollment based on immigration status and learn what documents schools may legally request.
https://www.ed.gov/about/ed-offices/ocr
TEA gives guidance and a formal complaint process for issues like bullying in Texas schools.
Example:
A student reports bullying to school staff, but the school doesn’t follow proper procedures. The student’s parent contacts the Texas Education Agency to escalate the issue and ensure accountability.
https://tea.texas.gov/about-tea/contact-us/general-education-complaints
Stopbullying.gov gives clear information on bullying, prevention tips, and how to report it.
Example:
A student is being harassed online by classmates and isn’t sure if it counts as bullying. They use StopBullying.gov to understand their situation and learn safe ways to report it.
The OCR investigates complaints involving discrimination based on race, national origin, sex, disability, and other protected categories in schools receiving federal funding.
Example:
A student reports repeated harassment based on their national origin, but the school does not address the issue. Their family files a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights to request an investigation.
The EducationUS supports and helps International students, supported by the U.S. Department of State, by providing information about studying in the United States, student visas, and educational opportunities for international students.
Example:
An international student wants to understand visa requirements before transferring schools. They review EducationUSA guidance to learn what steps to take and who to contact for assistance.
https://educationusa.state.gov/experience-studying-usa/stories-international-students
The Colorin Colorado offers resources for English language learners (ELLs), immigrant families, and educators, including information about language support services in schools.
Example:
A parent who speaks limited English is having trouble understanding school communications. They use Colorín Colorado to learn about translation services and language access rights available through schools.
YouthRules! (The U.S Department of Labor) explains workplace rights for young employees, including minimum wage, work hours, safety regulations, and prohibited jobs for minors.
Example:
A 16-year-old is asked to work late on a school night and wants to know if their employer is following child labor laws. They use YouthRules! to understand their legal rights.
Oyez provides easy-to-understand summaries of U.S. Supreme Court cases, including landmark decisions involving students' rights, free speech, privacy, and education.
Example:
A high school student is researching Tinker v. Des Moines for a civics class and wants to understand how it protects students' free speech rights. They use Oyez to read a plain-language summary and listen to the Supreme Court oral arguments.
