This memorandum addresses the responsibility of State Education Agencies (SEAs) for insuring that local educational agencies do not violate students' civil rights. The SEA's duty is said to arise from two sources. First, in most if not all States, State law mandates that State education officials supervise and regulate the conduct of local school districts. This responsibility includes civil rights issues. Second, without reference to State laws, Federal obligations compel SEA's to assume civil rights enforcement responsibilities. Furthermore, this responsibility is an affirmative one. The SEA cannot wait for complaints to be brought, but must monitor and require correction as necessary. (The responsibilities under the laws of each State in the Miami Lau Center's service area are discussed separately. These States are Alabama, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.) (CMG)