Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, commonly called "Section 504," is a federal law that protects students from discrimination based on disability. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against students based on disability.Learn how to file a discrimination complaint with the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights. Washington law states that once the district has permission to evaluate for special education eligibility, it has 35 school days to: Fully evaluate the student. Mail Fill out and send the paper ADA Complaint Form. Section 504 is part of the Rehabilitation Act and it helps protect students from being treated unfairly because of their disability. This guidance describes the protections that Section 504 provides and outlines the process for raising a complaint of disability discrimination or retaliation. This guide provides an overview of Federal civil rights laws that ensure equal opportunity for people with disabilities.