Compliance Coordinator

To ensure that each student has equal access to public education without discrimination, all Washington State School Districts and approved charter schools must have a Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator, Title IX Compliance Coordinator, and Section 504 Compliance Coordinator. Each must have training to prepare them to meet requirements that come with their coordinator role.

Job Descriptions

Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator

Under Washington law, all school districts must designate at least one employee to be responsible for monitoring and coordinating the district’s compliance with state nondiscrimination laws (chapters 28A.640 and 28A.642 RCW, and chapter 392-190 WAC). This employee also investigates complaints alleging discrimination on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, and the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability.

Section 504/ADA Coordinator

Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, each school district that receives federal financial assistance must designate at least one employee to coordinate the district’s compliance with its responsibilities under Section 504, regarding disability discrimination. If a district has 50 or more employees, it must also designate at least one employee to coordinate the district’s compliance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Most school districts designate one employee to serve both of these roles.

Title IX/Sex Equity Officer

Under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, each school district that receives federal financial assistance must designate at least one employee to coordinate the district’s compliance with its responsibilities under Title IX, as well as state civil rights requirements regarding sex discrimination and sexual harassment (chapters 28A.640 RCW and 392-190 WAC). The Title IX/Sex Equity Officer also investigates complaints alleging Title IX violations, sex discrimination, and sexual harassment.

Training for Civil Rights Coordinator

In Washington, each school district must designate a civil rights coordinator who is responsible for monitoring and coordinating the district’s compliance with state nondiscrimination laws. This webinar, recorded October 2023, provides an overview of this role, including the scope of civil rights issues the coordinator should be familiar with and guidelines for coordinating investigations and compliance management.

Resources