Responsibility of the FNS Civil Rights Division
The Civil Rights Division (CRD) provides leadership and comprehensive protection against discrimination in FNS employment practices and delivery of programs to the public.
- What is the difference between a CR complaint and an EEO complaint?
- A Civil Rights (CR) complaint is a verbal or written allegation of discrimination that an FNS program is administered or operated in a manner that results in disparate treatment or services being provided to persons or groups of persons because of one or more protected basis(es).
- An Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) complaint involves any employee or applicant for employment who believes that he or she has been discriminated against based on one of the covered protected basis(es)
- What are the protected classes for filing a discrimination complaint against an FNS program?
The protected classes for filing a discrimination complaint against an FNS program is race, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, religion, and political affiliation (not all bases apply to all programs).
- How do I file a discrimination complaint against one of FNS' programs?
Follow the procedures listed at USDA's website.
- How long does it take to process a complaint against FNS programs?
All program discrimination complaints must be filed within 180 days of the alleged discriminatory action. FNS will determine within 10 working days of receipt whether USDA has jurisdiction based on CR laws and regulations. If USDA has jurisdiction, the FNS CRD will process all discrimination complaints within 180 days of receipt. If there is insufficient information available, or special circumstances or accommodations are involved, some cases may take more than the established timeframe to reach an agreement or final decision.
- How do I file an EEO complaint and what is the process?
- To file a complaint follow the procedures listed on USDA's website.
- An overview of the federal sector EEO complaint process can be found on the EEOC website.
- What are the types of discrimination covered by EEO law?
- The various types of discrimination prohibited by the laws are enforced by U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
- What is Alternate Dispute Resolution and what are the benefits?
- Federal sector Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) information is available on the EEOC website.
- Benefits of ADR are outlined in the EEOC factsheet on ADR.