Educational Equity

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Board Resolution 2021-1 Denouncing Racism and Embracing Equity

Educational Equity

Overview

The vision of the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) is academic and organizational excellence in Utah education. The mission of the USBE is to open doors of opportunity for all Utah children. Equal Opportunity in Education means “acknowledging that all students are capable of learning and may need additional guidance, resources, and support based on their academic needs.” The State Board directs schools to:

  • Foster a safe learning environment conducive to the learning process and free from unnecessary disruption 
  • Identify students in need of additional academic support 
  • Recognize the constitutionally protected rights of all students
  • Develop strategies to promote the examination of various viewpoints on a topic in an impartial and politically neutral manner 
  • Implement principles and strategies of inclusion so that students are accepted and valued as members of the school community with equal opportunities to contribute by creating conditions for meaningful participation.

The USBE provides support to students, families, districts, and charter schools in the public school system regarding issues surrounding civil rights compliance under the United States Department of Education and the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) regulations, which prohibits discrimination of:

  • disability (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973)
  • sex (Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972)
  • race, color, or national origin (Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964)

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:

  • Access your district’s, or charter school’s grievance process.
  • Submit your concerns through the USBE Public Education Hotline. The USBE does not investigate allegations of discrimination or enforce compliance, but it can provide impartial technical assistance.
  • File a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights (OCR). The OCR enforces several Federal civil rights laws prohibiting discrimination in programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education. The OCR offers mediation and a formal investigation process. You can find more information about the OCR complaint process online.

Note: A school may not retaliate against any person who has made a complaint, or who has testified, assisted, or participated in any manner in an investigation or proceeding.