Due Process Standards to Handle Discrimination Grievances

Section 504 regulations also direct school districts to adopt grievance procedures that incorporate due process standards and provide “prompt and equitable resolution” of any complaints regarding alleged discrimination under Section 504. What precisely is required in terms of the development and maintenance of a Section 504 grievance procedure is within the discretion of the school district. Best practice is typically found to be the use of the district’s formal grievance procedure for other complaints of discrimination. With respect to such procedures, OCR has indicated that a compliant grievance procedure should include the following:

• Reasonable time frames
• The opportunity to present evidence
• Notification of the findings
• An appeal process

Next: Click to proceed to Section 504 Grievance Procedure.