Office for Civil Rights Compliance
The Office for Civil Rights Compliance performs many functions at the district level. The four primary functions are:
- to provide technical assistance to Hillsborough County Public Schools personnel, focusing on compliance with various federal laws, state and local statutes and regulations;
- to investigate complaints and/or charges of discrimination and harassment;
- to respond to charges of discrimination/harassment made against the District by individuals who file with a federal or state enforcement agency such as the Office for Civil Rights and the Florida Commission on Human Relations; and
- to provide training to School Board employees as required by law.
The Mission of the Office for Civil Rights Compliance (CRC) for Hillsborough County Public Schools is to reinforce the strategic plan of the School District by promoting a culture of safety and respect that is free from harassment, bullying and aggression while demonstrating best practices in all areas of safety. The Executive Officer for Compliance is the School District’s liaison to the U. S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights which ensures equal access to education and promotes educational excellence throughout the nation through vigorous enforcement of several Federal civil rights laws. Laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education. Discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin is prohibited by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; sex discrimination is prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; discrimination on the basis of disability is prohibited by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; For more information, visit the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights: www.ed.gov/ocr
Pursuant to Title VI, Title IX and Section 504/Title II, and other civil rights regulations, Hillsborough County Public Schools is committed to providing an education and work environment free from all forms of discrimination and harassment, including sexual harassment. This commitment applies to all School District operations, programs and activities. Students, administrators, teachers and staff and all other school personnel share responsibility for avoiding, discouraging and reporting all forms of discrimination or harassment.
- Foster respect and cooperation
- Promote fairness and equality
- Respect the worth and dignity of all
- Listen with an open mind
- Exercise integrity and ethics
- Build open and honest relationships
The School Board of Hillsborough County, Florida, adheres to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment and educational activities/programs, and strives affirmatively to provide equal opportunity for all as set forth in the following School Board Policies. We seek to provide a safe and equal learning opportunity for each of its students, regardless of race, color, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or social and family background. Each school must be free from disruption that would interfere with the teacher’s right to teach and the students’ right to learn.
Pursuant to Title VI, Title IX, Section 504/Title II and other civil rights regulations, the District is committed to providing an education and work environment free from all forms of discrimination and harassment, including sexual harassment. This commitment applies to all District operations, programs and activities. Related policies are listed below.