Program Discrimination Complaint Process

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Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 states that:

No person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.

Programs and activities that receive Federal financial assistance from RMA are covered by Title VI and must operate in a non-discriminatory manner. Also, a recipient of RMA funding may not retaliate against any person because he or she opposed an unlawful practice or policy, or made charges, testified or participated in any complaint action under Title VI.

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.

To file a complaint of discrimination, complete, sign and mail a program discrimination complaint form, (available at any USDA office location or online at www.ascr.usda.gov), to:

United States Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, DC 20250-9410

or call toll free at (866) 632-9992 (voice) to obtain additional information, the appropriate office or to request documents. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay service at (800) 877-8339 or (800) 845-6136 (in Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).

RMA handles Civil Rights complaints in accordance with Departmental Regulation 4330-2, "Nondiscrimination in Programs and Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance from USDA."

How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint.

How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint in Spanish.

USDA Civil Rights Web Site