Office of the General Counsel (Department of Education)
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Office of the General Counsel (OGC)
The Office of the General Counsel (OGC) in the U.S. Department of Education is tasked with providing comprehensive legal services and advice to the Department, ensuring that all operations, programs, and policies comply with legal standards. OGC plays a pivotal role in shaping and interpreting education law.
Mission
The mission of OGC is to provide legal assistance to the Secretary concerning the programs and policies of the Department, including legal advice, litigation support, legislative services, and management of the ethics program. The office aims to support the Department's mission to promote educational excellence and ensure equal access to education by providing timely and effective legal counsel.
Parent organization
OGC is a part of the U.S. Department of Education, supporting various educational programs and services through legal guidance.
Legislation
The creation of OGC was authorized by the Department of Education Organization Act of 1979, which established the Department and its offices.
Partners
As a governmental office, OGC does not have formal partnerships but works closely with:
- Other federal agencies
- State education departments
- Legal representatives of educational institutions
Number of employees
OGC has approximately 130 employees, including both part-time and full-time staff.
Organization structure
- Immediate Office of the General Counsel provides overall direction and supports special assignments.
- Program Service oversees legal services related to educational equity, elementary, secondary, adult, and vocational education.
- Departmental Law and Postsecondary Service manages legal matters concerning postsecondary education, including student loans and grants.
- Ethics, Legislative, and Regulatory Service deals with legislative proposals, regulatory development, and ethical conduct within the Department.
List of programs
OGC does not run programs but supports them through legal services:
- Legal support for student loan programs
- Guidance on civil rights compliance in education
- Support for regulatory rulemaking
Last total enacted budget
The specific budget for OGC is not publicly detailed separately; it is included within the broader budget of the U.S. Department of Education.
Leader
Lisa Brown serves as the General Counsel of the Office of the General Counsel.
Services provided
OGC provides a range of legal services, including the drafting and review of legislation, legal advice on Department policies, representation in litigation, and management of the Department's ethics program. It also oversees the legal aspects of federal education funds distribution and ensures compliance with civil rights laws.
Regulations overseen
OGC oversees or provides legal advice on various federal education regulations, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Headquarters address
400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202
Website
Wikipedia article
wikipedia:U.S. Department of Education#Office of the General Counsel
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