Every school district has a different process for submitting complaints. In order to file this kind of complaint, you must comply with Uniform Complaint Procedures. You can either file using a complaint form created by the district or by submitting a complaint letter. Visit http://www.cde.ca.gov/re/cp/uc/ for more information about the procedures and for some sample forms.
In San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD), the uniform complaint form is online as well as the policy and procedures used by the district to investigate and resolve complaints related to the following: Discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying based on disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation.
Parents/caregivers should send complaints to:
Office of Equity
555 Franklin St., Room 306
San Francisco, CA
Phone: (415) 355-7334
In Oakland Unified School District (OUSD), the Ombudsperson is responsible for investigating discrimination complaints. Visit http://www.ousd.org/Domain/121 for more information about the procedures and for a sample form. Parents/caregivers should send complaints to:
Office of the Ombudsperson
Attn: Mr. Gabriel Valenzuela, Ombudsperson/Title IX Coordinator
1000 Broadway Avenue, Suite 150
Oakland, CA
Phone: (510) 879-4281
Once a Uniform Complaint is filed, the Local Education Agency (LEA) is responsible for resolving the complaint and writing a report within 60 days of receiving the complaint. The person who files the complaint must be given the opportunity to present relevant information to the LEA for this report. The person who files the complaint should also be told of the right to appeal the LEA decision by contacting the California Department of Education (CDE).