OCR Details Accomplishments in Protecting Rights of Students with Disabilities
In a report released on January 16 titled Protecting Civil Rights: Highlights of Activities, Office for Civil Rights 2021-2025, the U.S Department of Education Office of Civil Rights (OCR) detailed its efforts to redress disability harassment and ensure equity for students with disabilities, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the report, “Between 2021 and 2024, OCR received 27,620 disability related complaints, with their number rising by 78% from 2021 to 2024.” The report substantiated the number of complaints with illustrative case studies from the Los Angeles Unified School District, Puerto Rico Department of Education, Fairfax County Public Schools, and the Tempe Union High School District. The OCR report also includes a timeline of policy resources dedicated to supporting children with disabilities.