When I train school personnel, my goal is to have them remedy most complaints within 7-10 days. Still, if a policy is comprehensive, a school should take action promptly to assure a student s safety, anonymity, emotional recovery, and educational needs. If you re dissatisfied with the district s response, make a complaint to the Office for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Education. Also, complain to your own state s department of education. Contact your state representative, whose aides have access to all state agencies.
Qualified attorneys can help take matters to higher levels of liability through civil tort actions.
Victim assistance programs in your county s district attorney s office can help you sort out the options and impacts of bringing a criminal complaint. Seek their advice on how statutes of limitations can apply to a case. In summary, most school districts are still attempting to meet the legal requirements of Title IX anti-harassment laws. Effective policies, once written, should encourage students and employees to confront harassers and make complaints. They should describe expected actions to be taken by a school and offer remedies to resolve most complaints.