Civil Rights Complaints

There are a few important things to know about filing a complaint:

• You are entitled to file a claim. Nearly every public school receives some level of federal funding and is therefore protected under Title IX, which entitles you to file a bullying, harassment, or discrimination claim with Office for Civil Rights.

• Time is of the essence. A complaint must be filed within 180 days of when the discrimination or bullying and harassment occurred.

• Your confidentiality is assured. Every claim remains confidential and will not be shared without permission.

• A third party may file a claim on behalf of another. In other words, the person making the complaint doesn’t have to be the one who experienced the bullying, harassment, or discrimination. A friend, family member or school faculty can file the complaint.

• It’s safe. The school cannot retaliate against anyone who has made a complaint, or testified, assisted, or participated in any manner in an investigation or proceeding under Title IX.

• You must complete the entire form in order for the report to be counted. Make sure to fill out the entire form. Incomplete information will result in a dismissal of your complaint.

Get more answers or help with filing a report from PFLAG National or GLSEN now.