As a student, you'll shape your future and lay out your career plans for success. Don't let those plans get derailed because of one misstep or misunderstanding that leads to school-related disciplinary investigations. More immediately, with the recent rounds of layoffs at the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR), any students with open investigations and current cases right now may face even steeper challenges.

There's an urgency now for legal representation, which is why you need the Student Defense Team at the Lento Law Firm. Don't risk your future without dedicated, experienced help. If you're currently involved in a school-related disciplinary process, you'll want to better understand how these OCR changes could impact your case. Call us at 888-535-3686 today or contact us online.

The OCR Shutters More Than Half of Its Nationwide Offices

The headlines out of Washington, D.C., right now regarding government department audits and mass layoffs may not all affect you directly as a student. However, the recent rounds of layoffs involving the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights can impact thousands of students from Boston to San Francisco. These deep cuts into the OCR could very well present a challenge for students currently involved in or soon facing disciplinary action. Seven of the 12 federal OCR offices were shuttered, and they were responsible for overseeing the civil liberties of 30 million K-12 students across more than half of the country. That's 60,000 public schools affected, now without civil rights protection offices in Chicago, New York City, Dallas, Philadelphia, Boston, Cleveland, and San Francisco.

What Does the OCR Do?

The Office of Civil Rights serves as frontline protection for students across the country, ranging from K-12 to collegiate level. These federal offices and representatives ensure students receive fair and equal treatment. Protections include conflicts related to grade appeals, Title IX, disability accommodations, or failure to progress. It also enforces school accountability for student due process in disciplinary cases.

The recent layoffs across more than half of the OCR's offices nationwide only mean fewer student protective resources and no local oversight in seven key cities. The sheer reduction of the workforce alone will create capacity bottlenecks. Students facing disciplinary actions won't have the OCR to intervene on their behalf, at least not immediately. Investigations are expected to be delayed as under-resourced offices try to carry the load of the 6,000 or so open investigations that were reported in January 2025.

The Stakes: How One Disciplinary Case Can Disrupt a Student's Future

Even if your case seems like a minor infraction or a first-time offense, one disciplinary action can result in serious consequences. Schools can impose academic suspensions or expulsion. College students might lose scholarships, internships, or eligibility for graduate school admission. Notes on a student's transcript about a disciplinary action could be enough to cause issues, too. Now, without OCR protection resources available, students with disciplinary cases will need proper defense to secure the best possible outcomes.

The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team Can Help

Now more than ever, having a strong, proactive defense partner matters. With the weakened oversight at the federal level, schools and institutions may take harder stances. The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team knows how these cases unfold and can be in your corner to negotiate a more favorable outcome. The goal is always to protect your future, meaning our team will represent you at every phase, protecting your student records, guiding you through hearings, and reviewing evidence. Call us at 888-535-3686 or contact us online to tell us more about your case.