---
title: COVID-19 and Student Mental Health Resources Issued
description: The Department of Education released resources to schools comply with federal civil rights laws that protect students with mental health disabilities.
---

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# [COVID-19 and Student Mental Health Resources Issued](https://blog.nisbenefits.com/covid-19-and-student-mental-health-resources-issued)

 Written by [Denise Yanny](https://blog.nisbenefits.com/author/denise-yanny) | Nov 11, 2021 1:10:39 PM

*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](https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/ocr-factsheet-students-self-harm-covid-19.pdf), 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](https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/correspondence/stakeholders/educator-202110-students-suicide-risk.pdf)

This [letter](https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/correspondence/stakeholders/educator-202110-students-suicide-risk.pdf) 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](https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/20210608-impacts-of-covid19.pdf) 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](https://blog.nisbenefits.com/hubfs/Blog%20-%20supporting%20documents/bulletin-doe-student-mental-health-resources-covid.pdf) 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.*

[View full post](https://blog.nisbenefits.com/covid-19-and-student-mental-health-resources-issued)

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