The U.S. Department of Education (Department) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is currently in the process of seeking approval from the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to administer a Civil Rights Data Collection (CRDC) for the 2021–22 school year, and a CRDC for the 2023–24 school year.
As you may know, proposed CRDC surveys must undergo two public notice and comment periods, pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995—an initial 60-day period, followed by a 30-day period. For the initial comment period, OCR’s proposal was for a 2021–22 CRDC only. The initial comment period closed on February 11, 2022. OCR reviewed and responded to over 3,000 public comments received during the 60-day period and decided to expand its proposal to include a 2023–24 CRDC. OCR submitted its responses to the comments and its latest proposed 2021–22 and 2023–24 CRDCs to OMB, for review, and for a final 30-day public comment period. See https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/09/30/2022-21317/mandatory-civil-rights-data-collection-correction.
If OMB approves the two proposed CRDCs, then the CRDCs will be universal collections in which all public-school districts and schools in the nation will be required to participate. After the proposed 2021–22 CRDC is approved, OCR will announce the survey dates (i.e., when the CRDC data submission system will open). OCR urges your school district to take the necessary steps to prepare for the 2021–22 CRDC. You may review the proposed data elements for the 2021–22 CRDC in the OMB Supporting Statement A document available at https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAViewDocument?ref_nbr=202111-1870-001.
Please check the CRDC Resource Center website (https://crdc.communities.ed.gov/#program) for updates on the status of the proposed 2021–22 CRDC. OCR also would appreciate your contacting the CRDC Partner Support Center (PSC) via email (crdc@aemcorp.com) or by phone (855-255-6901), to provide the PSC your school district’s new staff contact information for the CRDC. Furthermore, OCR encourages you to contact the PSC for technical assistance. The PSC is staffed with experts who are here to support you in fulfilling this important responsibility.