<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".04" citation="COMAR 13A.01.07.04" title_num="13A" subtitle_num="01" chapter_num="07" heading="Complaints.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>A complainant alleging discrimination in violation of Education Article, §26-704, Annotated Code of Maryland, may file a complaint in writing with the Superintendent.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>A parent or guardian of a minor alleging discrimination may file a complaint on behalf of the minor.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>The complaint shall be delivered by regular mail or electronic mail to the Department.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>The complaint shall be in writing and include the following information:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The complainant’s name, mailing address, email address, telephone number, and signature;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The respondent’s name, mailing address, email address, and telephone number;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>The date of any alleged discriminatory acts;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>A statement of facts describing any discriminatory acts;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>A statement of the relief requested; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(6)">
      <text>Any supporting documents, exhibits, and affidavits.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>The complaint shall be no longer than 15 pages, excluding attachments.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="F.">
    <text>Deadlines.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>A complaint shall be filed within 60 days from the later of the date of the last discriminatory act or when the complainant learned of the discrimination.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>A complaint shall be deemed to have been filed within the 60-day period if, before the expiration of the 60-day period, it has been:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Delivered to the Department; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Deposited in the United States mail, as registered or certified mail or Express Mail, or deposited with a delivery service, such as Fed Ex, UPS, or DHL, that provides verifiable tracking of the item from the point of origin.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="G.">
    <text>Concurrent Jurisdiction with State Board.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The State Board may stay action of an appeal filed pursuant to COMAR 13A.01.05 that also alleges discrimination in violation of Education Article, §26-701 et seq., Annotated Code of Maryland, pending a mediation agreement or final decision on a complaint filed under this chapter.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The parties shall immediately provide to the State Board written notice of the mediation agreement or final decision.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>The provisions of this chapter do not extend any filing deadlines for any appeals filed with the State Board pursuant to COMAR 13A.01.05.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>