COVID-19 and Student Mental Health Resources Issued

1.5 minute read

The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) released new resources aimed at helping schools comply with federal civil rights laws that protect students with mental health disabilities. The new resources include a fact sheet and a letter to educators.

Fact Sheet

The fact sheet, Supporting and Protecting the Rights of Students at Risk of Self-Harm in the Era of COVID-19, provides information about:

• How to obtain resources for students, families, and educators;
• How to create an education environment responsive to mental health disabilities; and
• What may prompt a DOE investigation for potential violations of civil right mental health laws.

Educator Letter

Letter to Educators

This letter highlights schools’ and other educational institutions’ obligation to students with mental health disabilities under federal civil rights laws.

The DOE created these materials as a result of a June 2021 report which detailed how the COVID-19 pandemic has had a disproportionately harsh impact on many students.

Educational institutions should become familiar with the new resources and review their policies and practices to ensure compliance.

Download the bulletin for more details.

This blog is intended to be a compilation of information and resources pulled from federal, state, and local agencies. This is not intended to be legal advice. For up to the minute information and guidance on COVID-19, please follow the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and your local health organizations.