Civil Rights Title VI
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI) prohibits race, national origin, and color discrimination in all programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance. The Tennessee Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (TOCR) is responsible for ensuring equal access to education by enforcing compliance with Title VI. TOCR has jurisdiction to investigate complaints alleging discrimination based on race, national origin, or color.
Regulations
Access Title VI's implementing regulations (34 CFR Part 100)
Tennessee Department of Education Resources
Video Overview of Title VI from the Tennessee Department of Education
Tennessee Department of Education Case Investigation and Resolution Manual
Tennessee Department of Education Discrimination Complaint Form
LEA Antisemitism Formal Reporting Process
United States Department of Education Resources
Race and National Origin Discrimination - Office for Civil Rights (ed.gov)
FAQ Race, Color, or National Origin Discrimination – Office for Civil Rights (ed.gov)
File a Discrimination Complaint with the U.S. Department of Education
School Meal Programs
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination against its customers. The Tennessee Department of Education administers the following USDA programs within Tennessee: National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Afterschool Snacks, Seamless Summer Option (SSO), Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, and the Special Milk Program.
If you believe you experienced discrimination while attempting to access the following USDA services, you may file a complaint with USDA. To file a program discrimination complaint, you may contact USDA by:
1. mail:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
2. fax:
(833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442 or
3. email:
You may also file a complaint with the Tennessee Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights by emailing TDOE.CivilRights@tn.gov.
For more information about civil rights grievance processes regarding school meal programs, see the department’s school nutrition webpage.