Section 504 Complaint and/or Grievance Process

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (34 C.F.R. Part 104), commonly known as Section 504, is a federal civil rights statute that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. Rogers Public Schools has adopted an internal grievance procedure providing for prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging any action prohibited by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794).

Any parent/student who believes he/she has been subjected to discrimination on the basis of disability may file a complaint and/or grievance under this procedure. Filing a discrimination complaint is a protected activity. Retaliation against any individual because he/she has reported an alleged Section 504 violation or discriminatory act is prohibited. To file a complaint and/or grievance, follow the procedure below:

• If the complaint involves an issue with a teacher, the parent/student must discuss the matter with the teacher before requesting a conference with the principal.
• If the complaint does not involve a teacher, the parent/student must request a conference with the 504 building designee who shall schedule and hold a conference with the parent/student.
• If the outcome of the conference with the 504 building designee is not to the parent/student’s satisfaction, the parent/student may request a conference with the principal.
• If the outcome of the conference with the principal is not to the parent/student’s satisfaction, the parent/student may request a grievance conference with the District 504 Coordinator. Grievances must be submitted to the District 504 Coordinator within 120 days of the date the person filing the grievance becomes aware of the alleged discriminatory action. A complaint must be submitted in writing using the RPS Section 504 Complaint and/or Grievance Form. The complaint must state the problem or action alleged to be discriminatory and the remedy or relief sought.
• The District 504 Coordinator/504 Coordinator Designee will conduct an investigation of the complaint. This investigation will be informal but thorough, affording all parties an opportunity to submit evidence relevant to the complaint.
• The District 504 Coordinator will issue a written decision on the grievance no later than 30 days after the filing.
• The parent/student filing the grievance may appeal the decision of the District 504 Coordinator to the Superintendent/Superintendent Designee.
• An appeal to the Superintendent/Superintendent Designee must be submitted in writing within 15 days of receiving the District 504 Coordinator’s decision.
• The Superintendent/Superintendent Designee shall issue a written decision in response to the appeal no later than 30 days after its filing.
• The availability and use of this grievance procedure does not prevent a student/parent from filing a complaint of discrimination on the basis of disability with the Office for Civil Rights.

Updated 05.17.2024