The Oregon Department of Education accepts complaints and appeals involving
Division 22 standards,
discrimination, restraint and seclusion, retaliation, religious entanglement and
special education.
Division 22 standards are educational standards that either the Oregon legislature or the State Board of Education has determined are necessary. Examples include the minimum number of credits necessary to graduate high school, the use of statewide assessments and the availability of specific programs, such as a talented and gifted program.
Discrimination occurs when a person is treated differently, whether intentionally or unintentionally, on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, age, or disability.
Under Oregon’s anti-discrimination statute, it is unlawful for a school to discriminate against a student or other person. To learn more, you may contact:
- For issues related to sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status, contact Kate Hildebrandt or call her at (503) 551-5713.
- For issues related to race, color, national origin, age, or religion, contact Taylar Lewis, or call her at (503) 400-5653.
- For issues related to disability or Section 504, contact Marinda Peters, Ph.D. or call her at (971) 208-0460.
- For issued relating to Section 504 or SB 819 (regarding Abbreviated School Day Program Placements for students with disabilities), contact: Patti Vickers or call her at (971) 208-0275.
Restraint occurs when a person restricts a student’s movement by holding the student or applying physical pressure upon the student. Seclusion occurs when a student is involuntarily confined in a room without access to staff and is prevented from leaving the room.
Under Oregon law, when a student is restrained or secluded, the student’s parent or legal guardian must be notified of the incident and invited to a meeting to discuss the incident. The law also prohibits the use of chemical restraints, mechanical restraints, and prone restraints.
Retaliation occurs when a person makes a decision that adversely affects a student because the student reported evidence that the student believed to be a violation of law. Under Oregon’s anti-retaliation statute, it is unlawful for a school to retaliate against a student.
Under Oregon law, a public school may not financially support or be actively involved with religious activity.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law that ensures students who have a disability are provided a free and appropriate public education. Schools are required to follow IDEA and rules adopted by the State Board of Education that implement IDEA.