In recent months, many students have noticed a troubling trend: civil rights complaints that would have once been taken seriously by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) are being dismissed or deprioritized. With political shifts in Washington, OCR’s current focus has narrowed—most notably to cases involving antisemitism. While protections against antisemitism are essential, this pivot has left many students facing other forms of discrimination without meaningful federal support.
If you’re a student in higher education dealing with racial discrimination, gender-based harassment, disability rights violations, or anti-LGBTQ+ bias, you may be wondering: What now?
Changes at the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights
Historically, OCR has been a critical avenue for students seeking accountability from their institutions—especially in cases involving Title IX (gender discrimination), Title VI (race and national origin discrimination), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (disability rights). But recent administrative changes have reshaped how—and whether—these complaints are addressed.
With leadership shifts, staff cuts, and redefined enforcement priorities, OCR has begun closing cases more quickly or declining to investigate complaints that would have warranted full inquiries in previous years. For students, that may mean fewer options through traditional federal channels, even when their rights are clearly being violated.
Who’s Being Left Behind
Students who may no longer receive adequate protection from OCR include:
- LGBTQ+ students facing harassment or policy discrimination.
- Students of color dealing with biased treatment in classrooms, clinical rotations, or disciplinary proceedings.
- Students with disabilities denied accommodation or subjected to inaccessible learning environments.
- Women and nonbinary students facing sexual harassment or assault with no institutional accountability.
If you are a student being told that your issues no longer fall within OCR’s “priority areas,” that doesn’t mean your case doesn’t matter. It means you may need a different path forward.
You Still Have Rights—And Legal Options
Even if the federal government won’t take action, your rights under federal and state law still exist. You don’t have to rely on OCR alone to seek justice. In many cases, students can pursue legal remedies through private action. That’s where we come in.
Our firm represents students in higher education facing serious civil rights violations. We help you explore the legal options that OCR can no longer—or will no longer—offer. Whether it’s through internal pressure on your institution, negotiation, or litigation, we work to ensure your rights are respected and your future protected.
What You Can Do Now
- Keep detailed documentation.
Save emails, accommodation requests, reports, evaluations, or disciplinary notices. These records will be crucial for building a strong legal case. - Don’t give up after an OCR dismissal.
A rejection from OCR doesn’t mean you don’t have a case. In many situations, the issue is political, not legal. - Get legal guidance early.
The sooner you talk to an education attorney, the more options you may have. Early legal involvement can help prevent escalation and preserve important rights.
We’re Here to Help
We understand how isolating and frustrating it is to feel ignored by the very system meant to protect you. If you’re facing discrimination in higher education and can’t rely on OCR, we’re here to support you in other ways.
While we don’t detail legal strategies online, we encourage you to reach out and speak with us directly. A brief call can help us understand your situation and explain how we may be able to advocate for you.
You deserve to be heard—even when the system stops listening. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.