Educational Equity

The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) leads by creating equitable conditions for student success: advocating for necessary resources, developing policy, and providing effective oversight and support.

Acknowledging that all students are capable of learning, educational equity is the distribution of resources to provide equal opportunities based upon the needs of each individual student.

What is Educational Equity?

Ensuring every student has access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.

Equitable Resources Include:

Funding, programs, policies, initiatives and supports that recognize each student's unique background and school context to guarantee that all students have access to high-quality education.

Funding allocation based on student needs
Specialized programs and services
Inclusive policies and procedures
Student support initiatives
Recognition of unique backgrounds
Context-sensitive school support

Civil Rights Protections

Educational Equity provides K-12 public school system support regarding civil rights compliance in accordance with federal regulations, which prohibits discrimination based on:

Disability

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Sex

Title IX protections

Race, Color, or National Origin

Title VI protections

Is Your Child Experiencing Discrimination in School?

If you believe that your child is experiencing discrimination, the USBE recommends the following procedures to seek resolution:

Step 1

School Level Resolution

Try to resolve your differences at the teacher or school level. Set up a meeting to discuss your concerns.

Step 2

District Level Resolution

If unable to resolve at the school level, set up a meeting with your District Coordinator and inquire about their grievance processes.

Step 3

USBE Guidance

If resolution is unsuccessful at the district level, call the USBE Student and Family Rights Specialist at (801) 538-7828 for guidance.

Step 4

Federal Complaint

A complaint may be filed with the United States Department of Education OCR within 180 days after the violation has occurred.

Resources & Contact Information

Important contacts and resources for addressing discrimination concerns.

USBE Support

Student and Family Rights Specialist

(801) 538-7828

The USBE can provide technical assistance, answer questions, and provide resources to assist in the resolution process.

Federal Complaint Process

A complaint may be filed with the United States Department of Education OCR within 180 days after the violation has occurred.

Online Process

OCR Complaint Process

Denver OCR Office

(303) 844-5695

TTY: (303) 844-3417

Our Commitment to Equity

Important Note: The USBE is not an authoritative body over civil rights compliance. Resolutions happen at the district/school level, via due process hearings, or through the United States Department of Education OCR.

IEA is committed to providing technical assistance to citizens, educators, students, and other stakeholders to ensure every student has access to equitable educational opportunities.