Appeals, Complaints, & Grievances
Your Rights
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) was enacted to protect individuals with disabilities against discrimination in such critical areas as employment, housing, public accommodation, education, transportation, communication, health services, and access to public service. More information regarding the ADA can be found here https://www.ada.gov/
Students have the right to appeal accommodation decisions they believe have merit and to have their complaints and grievances reviewed and addressed.
Appealing an Accommodation Decision
To appeal an accommodation decision made by SAS:
- Communicate your request to appeal a decision via email to sas@stcloudstate.edu
- Meet with the Director of SAS- Schedule a Consultation Meeting or call 320-380-4080
- If you are not satisfied with the Director’s appeal decision, a second appeal can be submitted in writing to Dr. Feng-Ling Johnson, Dean of University College and Associate Vice President for Student Success at feng-ling.johnson@stcloudstate.edu
- Dean Johnson will review the appeal and communicate next steps or final decision
Grievance Regarding SAS Services
If you feel the quality of treatment and support, or service provided by Student Accessibility Services does not meet SCSU expectations, you have the right to file a grievance.
To file a grievance:
- Meet with the Director of SAS- Schedule a Consultation Meeting or call 320-380-4080
- If you are not satisfied with the Director’s appeal decision, a second appeal can be submitted in writing to Dr. Feng-Ling Johnson, Dean of University College and Associate Vice President for Student Success at feng-ling.johnson@stcloudstate.edu
Filing a Complaint of Discrimination Based on Disability
Any student who thinks they have been discriminated against because of a disability is encouraged to contact the Office for Institutional Equity & Access, the MN Department of Human Rights or the U.S. Department of Education Regional Office of Civil Rights.
SCSU Bias Incident Report
File a Bias Incident Report with St. Cloud State University
What is a bias incident? A bias incident is an act of bigotry, harassment, or intimidation that is motivated in whole or in part by bias based on an individual's or group's actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Bias often stems from fear, misunderstanding, hatred, and stereotypes and may be intentional or unintentional.
For more information contact:
Office for Institutional Equity & Access
320-308-5123 or oea@stcloudstate.edu
102 Administrative Services
Minnesota Department of Human Rights
To report bias/discrimination at the state level, complete the Report Discrimination Form Online
For more information visit: Minnesota Department of Human Rights / Minnesota.gov (mn.gov)
Office of Civil Rights
A written complaint must be signed and filed within 180 days of alleged discrimination to:
Regional Civil Rights Director
Office for Civil Rights, Region V
401 South State Street, 7th Floor
Chicago, IL 60605
***If you are unable to write because of your disability and are unable to submit a complaint online, by mail, or fax, the Department can assist you by scribing your complaint by phone or, for individuals who communicate by American Sign Language, by videophone. Contact the ADA Information Line at 1-800-514-0301 (voice) or 1-800-514-0383 (TTY) to schedule an appointment. It may take two weeks or more for Department staff to contact you.
For more information review How to File a Discrimination Complaint With the Office for Civil Rights (ed.gov)