January 29, 2020
Education Department Launches Technical Assistance Center for Civil Rights
The U.S. Department of Education announced it will establish a technical assistance office to proactively assist educational institutions in complying with federal civil rights laws.
According to Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, the Outreach, Prevention, Education and Non-discrimination (OPEN) Center is designed “to support all schools and provide technical assistance to help them come into compliance with federal civil rights law prior to the filing of a complaint.” Support will also be available for students and families seeking more information about their rights.
The Department’s Office for Civil Rights will continue to enforce federal civil rights laws through the traditional complaint-resolution process. However, the OPEN Center will provide additional technical assistance in order to focus on prevention and promote awareness of civil rights obligations. OPEN Center inquiries can be sent to OPEN@ed.gov.
According to Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, the Outreach, Prevention, Education and Non-discrimination (OPEN) Center is designed “to support all schools and provide technical assistance to help them come into compliance with federal civil rights law prior to the filing of a complaint.” Support will also be available for students and families seeking more information about their rights.
The Department’s Office for Civil Rights will continue to enforce federal civil rights laws through the traditional complaint-resolution process. However, the OPEN Center will provide additional technical assistance in order to focus on prevention and promote awareness of civil rights obligations. OPEN Center inquiries can be sent to OPEN@ed.gov.