Office for Civil Rights Case Processing & Compliance-Readiness: What districts should know in 2026

The U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has updated its Case Processing Manual (CPM), introducing changes that affect how civil rights complaints are filed, investigated, and resolved. School districts should understand these procedural updates and ensure they are prepared to respond effectively to OCR requests while protecting students’ civil rights.   This practical brief provides district leaders, compliance staff, and educators with actionable guidance to strengthen readiness and response efforts. Informed by previous EAC partnerships with districts, this brief identifies key information OCR may request during an investigation as well as a clear overview of the CPM updates that matter most for K–12 schools and districts.   Be prepared before a complaint arises. Download this brief to better understand the CPM changes and build a stronger, more responsive civil rights compliance process.