The Oregon Department of Education handles complaints and appeals related to:
Division 22 standards (educational requirements set by Oregon legislature or State Board of Education)
- Division 22 standards are educational standards that either the Oregon legislature or the State Board of Education has determined are necessary. Examples include the minimum number of credits necessary to graduate high school, the use of statewide assessments and the availability of specific programs, such as a talented and gifted program.
Discrimination (based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, age, or disability)
- Discrimination occurs when a person is treated differently, whether intentionally or unintentionally, on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, age, or disability. Under Oregon's anti-discrimination statute, it is unlawful for a school to discriminate against a student or other person. To learn more visit Filing a civil rights complaint webpage. .
Restraint and seclusion (inappropriate physical handling or isolation of students)
- Restraint occurs when a person restricts a student's movement by holding the student or applying physical pressure upon the student. Seclusion occurs when a student is involuntarily confined in a room without access to staff and is prevented from leaving the room. Under Oregon law, when a student is restrained or secluded, the student's parent or legal guardian must be notified of the incident and invited to a meeting to discuss the incident. The law also prohibits the use of chemical restraints, mechanical restraints, and prone restraints. To learn more click here.
Retaliation (adverse actions taken against students for reporting violations)
- Retaliation occurs when a person makes a decision that adversely affects a student because the student reported evidence that the student believed to be a violation of law. Under Oregon's anti-retaliation statute, it is unlawful for a school to retaliate against a student.
Religious entanglement (inappropriate involvement of public schools in religious activities)
- Under Oregon law, a public school may not financially support or be actively involved with religious activity.
Special education (under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA)
- The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law designed to ensure that students with disabilities receive a free and appropriate public education. Schools must follow IDEA and the specific rules set by the State Board of Education to implement it.
- If your concern is about services or support under IDEA, please contact the Office of Enhancing Student Opportunities, as they handle these specific complaints.
To learn more, you may contact our complaints and appeals team.