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Prevention of Harassment, Discrimination, and Bullying in Colorado Schools
Introduction
All students have the right to an education that is free from discrimination, harassment, and bullying. There are a number of state and federal laws that address these topics and inform schools and districts of their obligation to address discriminatory behavior in their educational program and activities. This page is intended to provide schools, districts, students, caregivers and families with information on the protections provided under these laws.
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There are a number of state laws that require schools and districts to address harassment and discrimination.
- Colorado Revised Statutes Title 22. Education § 22-1-143. Harassment or Discrimination- Policy, Training and Notification
- Colorado Revised Statutes Title I8. Criminal Code § 18-9-124 Hazing-penalties.
- Colorado Revised Statutes Title 22. Education. § 22-33-106.5. Information concerning offenses committed by student offenses
- Protections for Students Against Discriminatory Practices at School. Senate Bill 23-296
- Concerning Non-Legal Name Changes for Students in Schools. HB 24-1039
- Colorado Revised Statutes Title 22 Education § 22-1-126 and Title 24 Education and § 24-31-606. Safe2tell Program
- Prevent Harassment and Discrimination in School. SB 24-162
- Harassment Sexual Orientation or Disability, Concerning Bias-Motivated Harassment. HB17-1188
- Concerning Measures to Reduce the Frequency of Bullying in Schools Act. HB 11-1254
- Ashawnty’s Law. SB 18-151 Bullying Prevention
- Jack and Cait’s Law HB 21-1221 Bully Prevention
- Concerning protections against discrimination based on hair length that is associated with one's race. HB 24-1451
Resources from the Colorado Department of Education:
Federal education laws that prohibit discrimination include Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, among others. Educational “programs and facilities” that receive any form of federal financial assistance from the federal government are prohibited from discriminating on the basis of a protected characteristic with regard to any of the services or benefits they offer. Programs and facilities to which the federal civil rights laws are applicable include secondary schools, colleges, universities, vocational schools, libraries, museums, and activities that receive funds from the Department of Education.
Protected characteristics under federal education law include race, gender, age, national origin, and disability. The United States Office for Civil Rights is the agency that enforces all federal antidiscrimination laws.
Key federal laws addressing discrimination in education include:
- Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: Prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin
- Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972: Prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex.
- Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973: Prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability.
- Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA): Prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability by public entities, whether or not they receive federal financial aid.
- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act: Ensures students with disabilities get a Free, Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) tailored to their specific needs, and in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE).
- Age Discrimination Act of 1975: Prohibits discrimination based on age.
Resources from the Colorado Department of Education:
Under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, all Colorado schools and districts that accept Federal funds, must designate at least one responsible employee to serve as the Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX Coordinator’s contact information must be posted to the school/district website. A list of district Title lX Coordinators can also be found at ED.gov Civil Rights Coordinators Data Website.
Resources from the U.S Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights:
- Student and Families Education Rights
- Office for Civil Rights Shared Ancestry or Ethnic Characteristics
- U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights Reminds Schools of Their Legal Obligation to Address Discrimination Against Muslim, Arab, Sikh, South Asian, Hindu, and Palestinian Students
- Dear Colleague Letter: Discrimination, including Harassment, Based on Shared Ancestry or Ethnic Characteristics (Nov. 7, 2023)
- Fact Sheet Protecting Students from Discrimination Based on Shared Ancestry or Ethnic Characteristics (Jan. 2023)
- Dear Colleague Letter: Addressing Discrimination Against Jewish Students (May 2023)
- Fact Sheet: Know Your Rights: Title VI and Religion (Jan. 2017)
- Resources for Preventing and Addressing Antisemitism in Schools
- Resources for Preventing and Addressing Islamophobia in Schools
Financial information on schools and districts throughout Colorado. Learn more about financial transparency.
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November 8, 2024
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