How to File a Title VI Complaint

Before filing a formal complaint, you can seek an informal resolution by discussing your concerns with your child’s principal or with the school district’s Title VI Compliance Officer.

You may file a formal complaint using the procedures listed below.

Step 1: Your Complaint to the School District

In most cases, complaints must be filed within one year from the date of the incident or conduct that is the subject of the complaint. A complaint must be in writing. To file a complaint, complete the form at this link. 

Be sure to describe the conduct or incident and explain why you believe discrimination, discriminatory harassment, or sexual harassment has taken place. Submit a written and signed complaint (in hard copy or electronically) that details the incident in which the Prohibited Conduct/Behavior of the Respondent is alleged. Be sure to digitally sign and submit your written complaint as well as send copies of any written material or other documents you believe will help CSD understand your complaint — by e-mail, mail, or hand-delivery—to the District Title VI Compliance Officer using the contact information listed below.

Title VI: Compliance Officer

Mari Ann Banks, Ph.D., 
125 Electric Avenue
Decatur, GA 30030
TitleVI@csdecatur.net

Step 2: The School District Investigates Your Complaint

Once the district receives your written complaint, the compliance officer will give you a review of the complaint procedures and make sure a prompt and thorough investigation takes place. The complaint will be conducted in cooperation with the Human Resources Department if the alleged harasser is an employee.
 
The investigation may include an interview with the charged party or parties, interviews with witnesses, if any, and an examination of any relevant documents or artifacts. The district Title VI Compliance Officer will respond to you in writing within 30 school days. If your complaint involves exceptional circumstances that demand a lengthier investigation, the district will notify you in writing to explain why a time extension is needed and the new date for their written response.
 
Step 3: The School District Responds to Your Complaint
 
In its written response, the district will include a summary of the results of the investigation, instructions to appeal the determination (if needed), and a summary of any corrective measures the district has taken.  If you disagree with the compliance officer’s decision, you may appeal to the school superintendent. You must file a notice of appeal in writing to the superintendent within 10 school days of the date of the district’s response.
 
The superintendent will schedule an appeal meeting within 20 school days after receipt of your appeal. The superintendent will send you a written decision within 30 school days after the appeal meeting. If your appeal involves exceptional circumstances that demand a lengthier process, the superintendent will notify you in writing to explain why a time extension is needed and the new date for his written response.
 
Retaliation against an individual for filing a charge of discrimination, participating in an investigation, or opposing discriminatory practices is prohibited.

Additional Title VI Complaint Option
 
You may also file a Title VI complaint directly through the OCR using the contact information below.
 
Office for Civil Rights, Atlanta Office, U.S. Dept. of Education
61 Forsyth St. SW, Suite 19T70, Atlanta, GA 30303
OCR.Atlanta@ed.gov 404-974-9406 Fax: 404-974-9471
 
If you believe a school district has discriminated against a child or their family on the basis of their national origin, immigration status, English language skills, or religion, you can also file a private complaint directly to the U.S. Office of Civil Rights using this portal.