A Resolution Agreement is a formal consent document that schools and educational agencies sign with the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) to resolve civil rights complaints or compliance reviews without formal enforcement proceedings. The agreement specifies what the entity must do to come into compliance and within what timeframe, and OCR monitors implementation. Refusing to sign a Resolution Agreement — as Maine has done — triggers referral to the Department of Justice for enforcement and initiates proceedings that can result in termination of federal financial assistance. Resolution Agreements function similarly to consent decrees in civil litigation.