DOE Policies
Report an Issue
We expect our staff and our schools to be held to high standards of integrity. Here, find information about how to report possible fraud or unethical behavior. Additionally, learn more about the Department’s civil rights compliance, and how to file a complaint if you believe those rights are being violated. If you’re looking for information on how to stop bullying, click the link in the box below.
SHARE THIS:
HIDOE Bullying Prevention Work
Learn more about our work with students, families and the community to grow an environment of respect, responsibility and resiliency. Connect with resources and learn how to report a bullying incident.
Report fraud, unethical behavior
Fraud hurts all of us. All Department employees are expected to hold themselves to the highest integrity. Eliminating fraud starts with you.
If you have any concerns of fraudulent or unethical behavior, please don’t keep it to yourself. Examples include:
Improper use of funds
Falsification of documents
Kickbacks or bribes
Theft of cash or DOE property
Inappropriate employee behavior
Misuse of DOE time or resources
If you know of or suspect any fraud or unethical behavior, you can report your concerns to the Department via our feedback form, or anonymously 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to our confidential toll-free hotline or online service:
855-233-8085
Click image to view poster.
Report a civil rights concern
The Department’s Civil Rights Compliance Office addresses discrimination in the department, and promotes equal opportunity in educational programs and activities for students and equal opportunity in employment for applicants and employees. The office is responsible for overall Department compliance with state and federal non-discrimination laws. It conducts internal administrative investigations of alleged violations and, when feasible, provides training on general civil rights issues. We believe that every child should learn in an environment free from discrimination, and every employee should thrive in a workplace that embraces diversity, excellence and respect.
Among the office’s responsibilities:
Title IX: Promoting the inclusion of women in the workforce and ensuring equal educational opportunities and non-discrimination based on sex.
Title VI (monitoring for race discrimination) and VII (ensuring the education of Native Hawaiians) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (ensuring equal educational opportunity for students with disabilities).
Students, applicants, employees, parents, legal guardians and members of the community may file a complaint with the office if they believe that they have been discriminated against because of a protected class, such as but not limited to race, color, national origin (including persons with limited English proficiency), disability, sex, age, and/or religion. The complaint form can be mailed to:
Civil Rights Compliance Office
P.O. Box 2360, Honolulu, HI 96804
Once the office receives a complaint, it will review the complaint to see whether the issues are jurisdictional and, if so, will promptly initiate an internal investigation of the alleged violation(s). If the issues are not of a civil rights matter, the complaint will be referred to an appropriate administrator for his or her review and action, if any is required. Please review these brochures for detailed information for employee applicants:
Board of Education Policy 4211
The Department of Education strictly prohibits discrimination, including harassment, by any employee against a student based on the following protected classes: race, color, national origin, sex, physical or mental disability, and/or religion. In addition to the above protected basis, the Department of Education strictly prohibits any form of harassment and/or bullying based on the following: gender identity and expression, socio-economic status, physical appearance and characteristic, and sexual orientation.
A student shall not be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to harassment, bullying, or discrimination under any program, services, or activity of the Department of Education.
The Department of Education expressly prohibits retaliation against anyone engaging in protected activity. Protected activity is defined as anyone who files a complaint of harassment, bullying, or discrimination; participates in complaint or investigation proceedings dealing with harassment, bullying, or discrimination under this policy; inquires about his or her rights under this policy; or otherwise opposes acts covered under this policy.
The Department of Education shall develop regulations and procedures relating to this policy to include personnel action consequences for anyone who violates this policy.
Equal Educational Opportunity
Informational brochures stating equal educational opportunities for all students. You can also review the Annual Notice of Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Statement about equal opportunity for Department programs and activities.