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D.C. Municipal Regulations (Last Updated: September 13, 2017) |
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Title 4. HUMAN RIGHTS AND RELATIONS |
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Chapter 4-15. YOUTH BULLYING PREVENTION |
Section 4-1513. COMPLAINT PROCEDURES AT THE OFFICE OF HUMAN RIGHTS UNDER THE YOUTH BULLYING PREVENTION ACT AND THE D.C. HUMAN RIGHTS ACT
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1513.1There are both formal and informal ways to initiate actions with OHR and individuals are encouraged to first use the informal option of working with the BPP Director as outlined in § 1513.2(a) before bringing formal complaints as outlined in § 1513.2 and § 1513.10. OHR will make efforts to investigate related matters jointly as to avoid duplication of efforts for the parties and the agency.
1513.2 Complaints under the Act may be pursued as follows:
(a)Youth or other individuals may call or contact the BPP Director with informal complaints under the Act, which may result in incident specific or broader program changes at covered entities; and
(b)An individual, who is eighteen (18) years or older, or who is younger but acting through a parent or advocate, may file a formal complaint with OHR alleging a violation of the Act within one (1) year after the alleged violation occurred.
1513.3A complaint to OHR under the Act may include, but is not limited to, allegations regarding:
(a)The adequacy of an investigation of bullying, retaliation, or another violation of a bullying prevention policy;
(b)The failure to initiate an investigation or an unreasonable delay in the processing of a report of bullying, retaliation, or another violation of a bullying prevention policy; or
(c)Any other failures by the covered entity to follow the requirements of the Act such as an entity maintaining a policy that is not in compliance with this Act.
1513.4The complaint shall state the name and address of the covered entity (called the Respondent), the name and title (if known) of the person alleged to have committed the violation, a detailed description of the incident(s) or substance of the complaint and alleged violation, and such other information as may be required by OHR.
1513.5OHR shall conduct an investigation of the complaint to determine if there was a violation of the Act with a target completion date for the Determination within ninety (90) days after a complaint is filed with OHR.
1513.6OHR shall report the results of its investigation to the complainant and covered entity and if necessary, provide recommendations to the covered entities.
1513.7Within sixty (60) days of the issuance date of the Determination, the Respondent must meet with the BPP Director and where appropriate, OHR General Counsel, to discuss the findings and corrective actions, if needed.
1513.8A full set of corrective actions must be agreed upon by all parties within ninety (90) days of the Determination.
1513.9If Respondent fails to comply with these timelines or corrective actions within the agreed upon timeframe, OHR shall inform the Deputy Mayor for Education or an appropriate official in the Mayor’s Office in writing by submitting a copy of the Determination and a summary of Respondent’s failure to resolve the matter.
1513.10Complaints filed under the DCHRA, D.C. Official Code §§ 2-1401.01 et seq., may be filed as follows:
(a)If the facts include allegations of discrimination at an educational institution or public accommodation as covered by the DCHRA, an individual, who is eighteen (18) years or older, the parent, or an advocate of youth, may file a complaint with OHR within one (1) year of the alleged discriminatory acts; and
(b)A complaint under the DCHRA could result in a probable cause finding, conciliation efforts and a Commission hearing.
(c)Pursuant to D.C. Official Code § 2-1403.16, an individual may also file DCHRA claims in D.C. Superior Court instead of at the OHR.