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USDA Non-discrimination Policy and Program Complaint Filing Procedures
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The Food Safety and Inspection Service
(FSIS) is committed to providing inspection service in a professional
and non-discriminatory manner to all federal meat, poultry, egg,
and import establishments.
USDA
"And Justice For All" Poster (PDF Only) | High-Resolution PDF (2MB)
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination
in the delivery of all programs and services conducted by officials
of the FSIS. This poster contains the USDA policy of non-discrimination
and the complaint filing address. The poster is prominently located
in FSIS office space within official headquarters establishments.
Questions regarding the "And Justice For All" poster or
the procedures for filing a program discrimination complaint can be
discussed with an FSIS inspector, Front Line Supervisor, or District
Office. Alternately, inquiries may be made directly to the USDA's
Office of Civil Rights at (866) 632-9992 (toll free), or (202) 402-0216
(TDD).
View "Simple Justice:"
Program Discrimination Complaints in USDA (13-minute video, Windows Media Format)
How to file a USDA Program Discrimination Complaint
It is the policy of the USDA to ensure that no person is excluded
from, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to prohibited
discrimination in programs conducted by FSIS on the bases of race,
color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political
beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. If you
believe you have been subjected to discrimination by the FSIS, please
follow the guidance below.
There are two ways to file a complaint.
1. You can call the USDA Office of Civil Rights
at (202) 720-5964 (voice or TDD) or (866) 632-9992 (toll free).
2. You can write a letter. Include the following in your letter:
- Your name, address, and telephone number.
- The name, address, and telephone number of your attorney
or designated representative (if applicable).
- The basis of your complaint. The basis is what you believe
to be the reason for the discrimination you experienced, such
as your race, color, national origin, etc. You may indicate
more than one protected basis.
- The date(s) the incident(s) occurred. Note that the USDA
has authority to investigate and adjudicate allegations that
occurred no more than 180 days prior to the
filing of your complaint. If the alleged discrimination occurred
in excess of this 180 day time frame, you may request a waiver
of the filing requirement.
- The name and location of the FSIS official(s) whom you
allege have discriminated against you.
- An explanation of the incident(s) you believe were discriminatory.
Clearly explain what happened, why you believe it happened,
and how you were discriminated against. Include how other
persons were treated differently than you, if applicable.
If you are reporting more than one incident, describe each
incident separately. If you have documents in support of your
allegations of discrimination, provide copies.
Mail your signed letter to:
USDA Office of Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue SW
Mail Stop 9410
Washington, DC 20250 |
Last Modified:
March 28, 2006 |
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