Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights
NFA provides leadership in planning, developing, and coordinating implementation of the intent of federal nondiscrimination laws and U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) equal opportunity policy for NIFA staff and program under Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. The goal of the NIFA Civil Rights & Equal Employment Opportunity Programs is to ensure that business is done in a manner that all employees treat customers and co-workers fairly, equitably, with dignity, and respect. NIFA seeks to create a culture of accountability to maximize equal employment opportunity and civil rights performance and to promote an inclusive work place that values cultural differences and diversity, and leverages them for greater productivity.
CIVIL RIGHTS POLICY STATEMENTS
- USDA Civil Rights Policy Statement (May 22, 2020)
- USDA Alternative Dispute Resolution Policy Statement (June 6, 2016)
- USDA Alternative Dispute Resolution Policy Statement (June 6, 2016), Spanish
- USDA Anti-Harassment Policy Statement
- NIFA Diversity and Inclusion Policy Statement
- NIFA Civil Rights Accountability Policy and Procedures
- NIFA Harassment Policy Statement
- NIFA Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
- NIFA Sexual Harassment Policy Statement
- NIFA Limited English Proficiency Guidelines
- NIFA Affirmative Action Plan for the Recruitment, Hiring, Advancement, and Retention of Persons with Disabilities
PROGRAM CIVIL RIGHTS COMPLIANCE REVIEWS
Civil Rights Compliance Reviews are the heart of the system of determining how well benefits and services are delivered by NIFA's recipients in compliance with Title VI. The reviews are made to make recommendations for policy changes and to improve program delivery to all. NIFA ensures that state land-grant university partners (for their research and extension programs) comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964(link is external), which prohibits discrimination in federally assisted programs, and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964(link is external), which prohibits discrimination in federal employment practices. Onsite compliance reviews are conducted annually in approximately 10 states, including 40 Extension counties and state Extension offices.
The Civil Rights Compliance Reviews produce information needed for NIFA to submit civil rights reports to NIFA administration and USDA on a regular basis. NIFA also manages complaints filed by citizens who believe they have been discriminated against based on Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 in the application of state programs funded by NIFA.
PROGRAM DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINTS
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination against its customers. If you believe you experienced discrimination when obtaining services from USDA, participating in a USDA program, or participating in a program that receives financial assistance from USDA, you may file a complaint with USDA. Information about how to file a discrimination complaint is available from the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights.
USDA prohíbe la discriminación contra sus clientes. Si usted cree que ha sido discriminado al obtener servicios del USDA o al participar en un programa de USDA o un programa que recibe asistencia financiera Federal del USDA, usted puede presentar una queja (querella) al USDA. La Oficina del Secretario Adjunto de Derechos Civiles le ofrece informacion sobre como radicar una queja de discriminación.
MAJOR INITIATIVES OF NIFA'S CIVIL RIGHTS & EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM
- Policy Guidance and Program Evaluation
- Plan Development and Evaluation
- Data Analysis and Evaluation
- Complaint Management and Counseling
- Special Emphasis Programs
- Title VI Compliance Review and Statutory Guidance
- Title VII Compliance Review and Statutory Guidance
- Technical Assistance and Outreach