How to File a Complaint

State Civil Rights

Michigan school districts must adopt written procedures for the prompt resolution of complaints of discrimination or harassment. These procedures are available at any district school or office. District procedures are often printed in school student and parent handbooks. Many districts also post this information on their district or school web sites. It is ideal, but not required, to alert the local Michigan school district first of any concerns and follow its procedures for investigation and resolution. However, complaints can be filed with both Michigan Department of Civil Rights and the U.S. Department of Education at any time.

The Michigan Department of Civil Rights investigates and resolves discrimination complaints including discrimination based on religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, height, weight, disability, familial status, marital status, and source of income.

Relevant state laws include:

The Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act #453, Public Acts of 1976, as amended
The Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act #220, Public Acts 1976, as amended.

To file a complaint, please see the information below:

1-800-482-3604
MDCRServiceCenter@michigan.gov
Michigan Department of Civil Rights

(www.michigan.gov/mdcr)

Request Complaint – MDCR_Intake

https://www.michigan.gov/mdcr/public-portal

Federal Civil Rights:

The United States Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights is responsible for enforcing several federal civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability and age by recipients of federal financial assistance.

Examples of these federal laws are:

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act (prohibiting discrimination based on race, color and national origin);
Title IX of the Education Amendments (prohibiting sex discrimination);
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (prohibiting disability discrimination);
The Age Discrimination Act (prohibiting age discrimination); and
Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (prohibiting disability discrimination by public entities, e.g., public elementary and secondary school systems, postsecondary schools, and vocational education programs, whether or not they receive federal financial assistance.

To file a complaint, please see the information below:

Online: OCR: Discrimination Complaint Form | U.S. Department of Education