The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforces the laws that prevent discrimination on the basis of race, national origin, sex, disability, and age in America's schools, colleges, and universities. To gauge how the department is fulfilling that mission, a description of the OCR's policy-guidance efforts, complaint investigations, and enforcement activities for Fiscal Year 1996, is provided here. It outlines the responsibilities of the OCR and details how the various laws protecting individuals apply to educational institutions and to students and employees. The report describes how the OCR responds to discrimination complaints from the public and provides examples of the nature of the complaints registered as regards alleged Title IX violations. The process for resolving complaints, along with how the OCR conducts compliance reviews, is likewise described. Some of the office's recent efforts on the latter front include clarification of Title IX requirements and a national conference on minorities and special education. Information on how the OCR helps people and institutions with technical assistance, on the impact of civil rights laws, and on contacting the OCR is provided. Challenges facing the OCR and address information for regional offices are provided. (RJM)