Section 11 - Office of Civil Rights Reviews

Postsecondary

The United States Department of Education Office for Civil Rights requires civil rights reviews for colleges that receive federal funds from the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act. 

The civil rights review process consists of a two- to four-day on-site review of a college to determine compliance with civil rights standards and guidelines. The civil rights review for Minnesota State is administered by the Office of Equity and Inclusion.

Secondary

MDE conducts civil rights compliance reviews in high schools that receive federal funds and provide CTE courses. The civil rights compliance review process may include document review and an on-site visit. The civil rights reviews for MDE are administered by the methods of assurance coordinator in the Division of Compliance and Assistance.

Purpose of Reviews

The purpose of the civil rights compliance reviews at both high schools and colleges is to evaluate compliance with the following federal laws: 

• Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin (34 C.F.R. Part 100) 

• Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex (34 C.F.R. Part 106) 
• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 which prohibits discrimination by public entities on the basis of disability (34 C.F.R. Part 104) 
• Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 which prohibits discrimination by public entities (including public schools, public colleges and universities, public vocational schools, and public libraries) whether or not they receive federal financial assistance on the basis of disability (28 C.F.R. Part 35)