Oregon Civil Rights Laws

Oregon law prohibits discrimination in state-funded education programs.

“A person may not be subjected to discrimination in any public elementary, secondary or community college education program or service, school or interschool activity or in any higher education program or service, school or interschool activity where the program, service, school or activity is financed in whole or in part by moneys appropriated by the Legislative Assembly.” ORS 659.850

Oregon prohibits discrimination based on ten protected classes: age, color, disability, gender identity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, and sexual orientation.

Information about Oregon nondiscrimination law can be found in Oregon’s revised statues and administrative rules.

ORS Chapter 659 - Prohibited Discrimination

To go directly to a specific statute, use the search function ("Ctrl+F"), enter statute number and the browser will find each instance of the statute listed on the page.

ORS 659.850 Discrimination in education prohibited; rules
ORS 659.852 Retaliation against student prohibited
ORS 659.855 Sanctions for noncompliance with discrimination prohibitions
ORS 659.860 Enforcement of ORS 659.850

Oregon Administrative Rules Chapter 581 Division 21

581-021-0038 Minimum Requirements for School District Sexual Harassment Policies
581-021-0045 Discrimination Prohibited
581-021-0046 Program Compliance Standards
581-021-0047 Prohibits Public Schools from using Native American Mascots
581-021-0655 Duty to Designate One or More Civil Rights Coordinators
581-021-0660 Duties of and Training Requirements for Civil Rights Coordinators

Oregon Administrative Rules Chapter 581 Division 22

581-022-2308 Agreements Entered Into with Voluntary Organizations
581-022-2312 Every Student Belongs
581-022-2370 Complaints Procedures

Related Oregon Laws, Rules, and Resources

Oregon prohibits harassment, bullying, and intimidation in ORS Chapter 339, Sections 351-364, including incidents that are based on a protected class.
The CROWN Act, signed into law in 2021, prohibits discrimination based on protected hairstyles. OAR 581-021-0045 was amended to include the applicable definitions.
OAR Chapter 581 Division 75 describes the process a person may use to appeal a complaint of discrimination to the Oregon Department of Education. ODE’s Complaint and Appeals website has more information about the process.
Questions about Special Education and Abbreviated School Day Programs (ORS 343.321 - 343.331) can be directed to the Office of Enhancing Student Opportunities.

Contact Information

Students, families, or community members who have questions regarding Oregon nondiscrimination laws in an Oregon K-12 public school or public charter school should contact ODE.CivilRightsSupport@ode.oregon.gov.

School districts, public charter schools, education partners, and all other parties who have questions regarding Oregon nondiscrimination laws in an Oregon K-12 public school or public charter school should contact ODE.CivilRights@ode.oregon.gov.