Complaints Addressed by Other Agencies

Some school‑related concerns fall outside TEA's authority. Review the topics below to determine which organization can best assist you.

Criminal Activity

Concerns involving possible criminal activity should be reported to:

  • Local law enforcement
  • Appropriate school officials

Discrimination

Complaints involving discrimination in education programs are handled by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR), not TEA.

OCR enforces federal civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance.

Types of Discrimination Handled by OCR

These laws apply to:

  • State education agencies
  • Public elementary and secondary schools
  • Colleges and universities
  • Vocational and proprietary schools
  • Other education entities receiving U.S. Department of Education funds

OCR also enforces Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits disability discrimination by public entities, whether or not they receive federal funding.

Filing a Discrimination Complaint

You may file a complaint with OCR if you believe an organization receiving U.S. Department of Education funds has discriminated against you or others.

  • You do not need to be the person directly affected
  • Complaints may be filed on behalf of another individual or group

Office for Civil Rights (OCR):

  • Online filing
     
  • U.S. Department of Education
    Office for Civil Rights – Dallas Office
    Renaissance Tower
    1201 Elm Street, Suite 1000
    Dallas, TX 75270
     
  • Phone: (214) 661‑9600
  • Fax: (214) 661‑9587
  • TDD: (800) 877‑8339

  • Email: OCR.Dallas@ed.gov
     

Education Outside Public K–12 Schools

Other agencies handle concerns related to:

Employment and Wage Disputes

The following agencies handle employment‑related concerns involving public schools:

Ethics and Open Government

Texas open government laws include:

The Office of the Attorney General provides resources, training, and assistance related to these laws.

Fraud, Waste, or Abuse of State Funds

The State Auditor’s Office (SAO) investigates allegations involving:

  • Fraud
  • Waste
  • Abuse of state funds

This includes misuse of funds by:

  • State agencies
  • School districts
  • Colleges and universities

How to report:

  • Call 1‑800‑TX‑AUDIT (892‑8348)
  • Submit a report online
  • Mail a report to:
    • State Auditor’s Office
      Attn: Investigations and Audit Support
      P.O. Box 12067
      Austin, TX 78711‑2067

Health and Safety Concerns

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) handles reports related to:

  • Hazardous conditions in school facilities
  • Health and safety standards

Interscholastic Athletics and Activities

The University Interscholastic League (UIL) governs competitive sports and academic extracurricular programs.

The UIL–TEA Side‑by‑Side Handbook explains:

  • UIL rules and requirements
  • The dispute resolution process

School Board Elections

The Texas Secretary of State’s Office oversees school board member elections.

Student Records and Privacy

Concerns about student records and privacy are handled by the U.S. Department of Education’s Student Privacy Policy Office (SPPO).

SPPO addresses complaints involving:

  • Improper release of student information
  • Denial of access to student records
  • Improper collection or use of student data

These rights are protected under federal law and Texas Education Code, Chapter 26.

How to file a complaint:

Complaints may be filed directly with SPPO. Filing deadlines apply, and required documentation must be submitted on time. Complaint forms are available in English and Spanish.