Now more than ever, the Legal Defense and Education Fund is essential to safeguard the rights of students from underserved communities left vulnerable by the closure of OCR regional offices. These students face increased barriers to justice, with fewer resources to challenge discrimination, neglect, or civil rights violations in their schools. The Fund works to ensure no student is left behind or silenced simply because the system failed them.

Stand with us—support the fight for fairness, protection, and equal opportunity for every student.

The urgency of this mission is underscored by alarming statistics: according to the U.S. Department of Education’s Civil Rights Data Collection (CRDC), nearly 1 in 5 students experience some form of discrimination or harassment at school, disproportionately affecting students of color, students with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ youth. Furthermore, schools serving low-income communities report significantly higher rates of disciplinary actions, which research links to long-term negative outcomes such as lower graduation rates and increased involvement with the juvenile justice system. With the closure of OCR regional offices, these vulnerable students have lost vital advocates who once investigated complaints and enforced civil rights protections. Supporting the Legal Defense and Education Fund means restoring a critical lifeline—empowering students and families to stand up against injustice, ensuring equitable educational opportunities, and fostering safer, more inclusive learning environments for all.

Join us today in defending the rights of every student. Your support can make the difference between silence and justice—stand with the Legal Defense and Education Fund to create a future where all students have the opportunity to thrive.