Filing a School Complaint
If a student has been subjected to discriminatory behavior and/or harassment, immediately report it to the school.
Bullying Complaints
All public schools must implement a policy protecting students from bullying & cyberbullying. It is recommended to submit a complaint in writing to the school or SAU. A school district is required to:
- Protect the identity of the student reporting bullying and/or cyberbullying, to the extent possible;
- Promptly conduct a thorough investigation;
- Take appropriate action dependent on investigative findings; and
- Report the complaint to the Department of Education.
*If the bullying is physical in nature, you may contact your local police department in addition to reporting the incident to the school district.
If a school does not appropriately handle a report of bullying, contact:
Stephen W. F. Berwick
Administrator 1, Dispute Resolution, and Constituent Complaints
(603) 271-2299
Stephen.Berwick@doe.nh.gov
Discrimination & Harassment Complaints
It is recommended to submit your complaint in writing. The school is required to promptly conduct a confidential and thorough investigation and to take appropriate action to end and subsequently prevent future discrimination and harassment. If the school fails to properly address the complaint, or retaliates in response to filing a complaint, please contact the Commission.
If a student has been subjected to discriminatory behavior and/or harassment from a staff member, immediately report it to the school and contact the Commission to determine if the situation meets the criteria to additionally submit a complaint with the Commission.
Disability/Special Education Complaints
If a situation arises in which a complaint needs to be made, it is recommended to initially submit a complaint with the student’s school district. If the district does not appropriately act upon and resolve the complaint, please click on the links below for information regarding filing a complaint with the state:
- Department of Education’s Complaint Procedures Manual for Special Education
- How to File a Special Education/Disability Complaint
- Department of Education Complaint FAQs
- New Hampshire Special Education Procedural Safeguards Handbook
*A disability discrimination complaint can be filed with the Commission in addition to engaging with the Department of Education’s process(es)
Did You Know?
Did You Know?
Any person subjected to discrimination, as defined in NH RSA 354-A:21, may initiate a civil action in Superior Court or submit a complaint with the Commission.
Questions?
Contact the Commission
Phone: 603-271-2767
Email: humanrights@hrc.nh.gov