Section 504
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) prohibits disability-based discrimination and harassment in all programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance.
The United States Department of Education Office for Civil Rights has the sole authority to investigate all claims arising under Section 504.
Section 504 Regulations
Section 504’s implementing regulations (34 CFR Part 104)
Tennessee Department of Education Resources
Major Differences Between Section 504 and IDEA - Chart
Tennessee Department of Education Section 504 Resource Manual
Tennessee Department of Education Section 504 Evaluations
United States Department of Education Resources
Disability-based discrimination - Office for Civil Rights (ed.gov)
FAQ Section 504 Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) – Office for Civil Rights (ed.gov)
File a Discrimination Complaint with the U.S. Department of Education
Parent and Educator Resource Guide to Section 504 – Office for Civil Rights (ed.gov)
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.