The Tennessee Department of Education Office of Civil Rights (TOCR) is charged with the responsibility of investigating, ensuring and enforcing compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. §2000d, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C §1681, against ALL Local Education Agencies as defined in the Case Resolution and Investigation Manual. Title VI prohibits discrimination or harassment based on race, color or national origin in all programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance, and Title IX prohibits discrimination or harassment based on sex in all programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance. TOCR is also charged with the responsibility of investigating, ensuring and enforcing compliance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, §504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 ONLY as to the State of Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) and State Schools as defined in the Case Resolution and Investigation Manual. Title VI and Title IX jurisdiction extends ONLY to Local Education Agencies (LEAs) within the State of Tennessee who are receiving federal funding. If unlawful discrimination occurs under Title VI or Title IX this office has the authority to enforce compliance through denying federal funding of all LEAs, and under Title II, §504, and Age Discrimination Act if violated by any of the state schools as defined in the Case Resolution and Investigation Manual. This office does not offer monetary compensation and it does not bring lawsuits on behalf of parents and/or school systems. All complaints are resolved in the matter stated in the Tennessee Department of Education Case Resolution and Investigation Manual.

Contact Information:

Lesley Farmer
Director, Office of Civil Rights
(615) 253-1550-office
(615) 532-2599 - fax) 532-2599 - fax
Lesley.Farmer@state.tn.us